It’s never easy saying goodbye to a pet. Whether it is a decision you are making to put your pet to sleep, or one which was decided for you by an accident or sudden illness, it is an awful experience. Pets are like family members and as such, everyone is likely to feel similar types of grief that they would had a person passed away. A person’s feeling towards their pet should never be trivialised, nor dismissed, but rather acknowledged and supported as much as possible.

We have put together a collection of strategies which could help you and your family members during this sad time.

Ways of Coping with the Death of a Pet

Everyone has a different response to the passing of a pet. Because of this, the things they find may support them during this time will differ. Here are just some suggestions of things that may help:

  • talk to someone - whether it is a friend or your vet, take the time to acknowledge how you are feeling, as well as to share special memories of your pet.
  • hold a pet farewell service - often pet owners are unable for many reasons to bring their pet home from the vet for burial. They may at a later stage get the ashes of their pet though. A pet funeral service can be held either at the time or burial or at a later date.
  • create a keepsake - it may be a painting or a collection of photos of your pet, or a headstone where they are buried. A keepsake is something you can visit or look at to remember your pet.
  • reach out to other who are or have lost a pet - being able to talk to someone who understands what you are going through can be comforting.
  • practise self care - take time to look after yourself, be it by eating a healthy diet, taking exercise and spending time relaxing. Grief can place large amounts of stress on your body, making it very important that you spend time to look after your own health and well-being.

Finally, consider using the services of a professional pet funeral celebrant to help you through this difficult time. As well as offering a funeral or memorial service for your pet, they often have resources or experiences which they can share with you to help with the grieving process.