We all grieve when we lose a Pet, this is a natural reaction because the feelings we have are so special, the term is “the human-companion animal bond” and when broken there is a feeling of loss which can at times be overwhelming.

Often friends and relations do not offer a grieving pet owner much sympathy, and the comment of....”it was only a dog.....” or “yes, she was a pretty cat.......” are the only words of sympathy or understanding together with the question “what are you going to get now?” Such comments would not be acceptable if you had lost a friend or family member and quite rightly you would receive emotional support.

It is generally accepted that although we need the same support when we lose a companion animal as we do when we lose a family member or friend, we actually usually receive far less. Veterinarians are also now beginning to realise that their final obligation to their patient also involves the owners grief, this at times is also very difficult because often the death of a pet is stressful even to professionals and they may find it easier to cope by detaching themselves - not always very helpful to a grieving owner.

How should I feel?

When a pet dies there is no right way to feel or formalise the grief. Services may be arranged through a pet crematorium where you may request a viewing time, photos or have some of the pets effects placed with them. It is very emotional especially when the pet was an integral part of the family, it is often helpful to understand the grieving process because when a pet dies there is no ritual to formalise the grief, many would feel a funeral for the family pet to be eccentric or bizarre, however the loss of a pet affects our emotions and the progress through several stages is detailed below.

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