Grieving the loss of a pet can be a devastating experience, and it’s hard to predict how our minds and bodies will react. Even if we’ve faced other losses or watched loved ones go through similar situations, it’s impossible to know how a loss will affect us.
Don’t get discouraged if you see others and it seems like they are dealing with grief on their own, as you never really know what’s happening inside someone’s heart. If you feel you can’t go through this painful process alone, don’t be ashamed; there’s nothing wrong with needing help.
If you need support, go for it! Seeking help from others is a sign of strength and a proactive step towards finding healthy coping mechanisms. Whether you’re looking for individual therapy or social interaction, there are various options to help you validate your feelings and guide you through the healing process. And remember, by seeking assistance to care for yourself, you’re also honoring the love you shared with your beloved animal companion. What would your furry friend want more than to see you happy and healthy?
We know it can be challenging to recognize when you need assistance, but we’re here for you. Together, we'll explore various support resources that provide a safe space for healing after losing a beloved pet and help you find the one that suits you best.
Grieving The Loss of A Pet
Our pets are not “just dogs” or “just cats.” They are faithful family members who fill our days with joy and love. They stay by us through challenging moments and teach us how to care for another soul. But what happens when they are no longer in this world? What can we do after?
There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, and the process varies for everyone. The amount of time you need, the support you require, and the physical and mental symptoms you may experience are often unique to each of us.
Many pet owners start grieving even before their pet dies. Knowing your pet is in their final days triggers a mix of emotions, including fear, guilt, anxiety, and more. Whether your animal companion is terminally ill or just old, anticipatory grief often involves constantly worrying about how much time you have left together. Thinking about how you’d like your loving cat or dog to enjoy their last day and how you want to say goodbye can help ease some of your anxiety.
Unfortunately, when your pet finally passes, not everyone appreciates the significance of pet loss. You may feel disheartened by people who diminish what you’re going through, but don't waste your energy on that. While some people may not understand the depth of your human-animal bond, there are other ways of finding support.
When To Get Help
Seeking support is an essential part of the healing process. As we all react differently, creating a guide with specific steps to follow is impossible. However, there are many common signs that help us recognize when we should seek support, whatever form that may take.
Intense grief over a prolonged period of time
If you are feeling overwhelmed with a persistent low mood, loss of interest in daily activities, and feeling hopeless over an extended period of time, it could be a sign that you need help. Support can help you get through your daily life without these feelings interfering with simple everyday tasks.
Similarly, if you’re struggling with your mental health over your pet's death, professionals can help you move past those emotions and start living fully again.
Experiencing physical symptoms
Often, emotional distress can translate into physical symptoms. Have you lost your appetite, feel fatigued, or have trouble sleeping? These symptoms are your body and brain’s way of telling you something might be wrong. If they persist, seeking professional support to maintain your mental and physical health is essential.
Social withdrawal
It’s natural to want some alone time after your pet passes, and that’s okay. But if these feelings linger, it’s important to seek help. Don’t let yourself become isolated from what’s happening around you! Spending time with family and friends will give you a much-needed mental break.
Even if you feel like you’re handling your grieving process well, you might still benefit from extra care. Don’t wait until it feels unmanageable; whenever you feel like talking to someone, reach out!
6 Support Ideas For Dealing with Pet Loss Grief
Need some inspiration on where to seek support? Check out our seven support ideas to help guide you on your healing journey.
1. Reach out to your family and friends
Think of your closest friends and family members, the ones you trust the most and who make you feel secure enough to share your inner thoughts. Invite them to grab a coffee, take a walk in the park, or go to a special place where you feel comfortable discussing your feelings.
Talk to them about how you feel.
We know expressing our feelings and releasing our hidden thoughts can be challenging. That’s why it's vital to choose the people you know will listen without judgment.
2. Look for professional counseling
Once you’ve acknowledged your grief and allowed yourself time to feel and express it, you may benefit from visiting a therapist or counselor who specializes in pet loss. If you don’t have any recommendations, you can begin your search on online platforms like the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement or Psychology Today.
You might also explore resources within the field of veterinary medicine, as many veterinary professionals can offer guidance or recommendations for dealing with pet loss.
3. Pet loss hotlines
Hotlines provide immediate, specialized assistance and information from trained professionals or volunteers. Connecting to a local emergency service will offer additional grief resources for further support. If you need help today, call the ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline at 877-474-3310.
4. Helpful books for coping with pet loss
Books offer a comfortable space for reflection. When they address specific themes like pet loss, they provide understanding and practical advice. Reading comforting words about others’ experiences and coping strategies for managing grief can inspire and offer hope.
These books may cover various grief topics, such as exploring a pet’s afterlife, offering compassionate advice, rituals and ceremonies, and healing wisdom.
If you’re unsure where to start, here are some book recommendations:
- Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates by Gary Kurz
- Goodbye, Friend by Gary Kowalski
- Grieving the Death of a Pet by Betty J. Carmack
- P.S. I Love You More Than Tuna by Sarah Chauncey
- Pet Loss: A Spiritual Guide by Julia Harris
- Saying Good-Bye to the Pet You Love by Lorri A. Greene, Ph.D.
- When Only the Love Remains by Emily Margaret Stuparyk
You can also find solace in the power of words through simple poems and quotes, like The Rainbow Bridge Poem (Unknown author). These verses offer peace and comfort to those who have just lost a beloved furry friend.
5. Join a Pet Loss Support Group
If you need social support, pet loss support groups can connect you with others going through a similar experience. They provide a safe, non-judgmental environment to share your experiences and be inspired by others’ stories, which can provide new perspectives and ways to heal.
These groups aren’t available in every city, but there are also a number of online options to explore. Contact your local veterinarian for recommendations on pet loss support groups near you. Lap of Love, a nonprofit for veterinary hospice & in-home euthanasia provides pet loss support to grieving pet owners. “You don’t have to keep your grief inside,” shares Kelly, a grief support therapist with Lap of Love. “You’ve said goodbye on this Earth to maybe the most significant being in your life. Sometimes the grief with the sadness is reasonable.”
6. Online Forums for Pet Grief Support
Online forums are a great way to discuss, share information, and seek advice from the comfort of your home. They allow you to interact by posting replies, quoting previous posts, and liking comments.
Forums foster a sense of community that is available 24/7 and provides knowledge from various perspectives. Want to let others know how you’re feeling? Try commenting on your experiences or uploading a photo of your pet, and wait for others to join in!
Resources for Children Dealing With Pet Loss
When helping a loved one cope with pet loss, it’s essential to carefully consider what to say (and not to say), especially if the person is a child.
The loss of a pet can be particularly confusing for children. It might be their first time experiencing feelings of sadness, frustration, and anxiety, which can be really tough to handle on their own. Allowing your children to be involved in the grieving process and not hiding the truth is a great (if not difficult) way to teach them how to handle some of life’s most challenging moments.
Supporting a child after the loss of a pet requires sensitivity and understanding. That’s why we’ve gathered great resources to help them process their emotions with care.
Pet Loss Books for Children
These books use simple, age-appropriate language and colorful illustrations to guide kids through the process. Some examples are:
- Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
- For Every Dog an Angel and For Every Cat an Angel by Christine Davis
Join family support groups and counseling
Many communities have pet support groups that welcome children and families. Joining these groups as a family is a great way to help your children feel supported and to bring your family closer together.
Creative Activities
Encouraging children to engage in art activities, such as drawing or painting memories of their pet's life, can be a therapeutic way to express their feelings.
A child’s imagination is limitless, so helping them write stories about their incredible adventures together—-like those park walks where they felt like an adventurer exploring an unknown world with their furry friend—-can also help them process their emotions and keep the memory of their furry companion alive.
Other Ways To Grieve the Loss of A Beloved Pet
In addition to the various resources for seeking support, you can also find creative ways to honor your pet’s memory. Some meaningful ways to do this include getting a memorial tattoo, creating a pet memory book, or turning their ashes into a memorial diamond.
Memorial diamonds are perfect for honoring that once-in-a-lifetime pet. Turning their ashes into diamonds lets you keep your steadfast friend who loved you unconditionally close throughout your grieving process. Eterneva also fosters a community where you can read about other pet owners’ experiences and healing journeys. Check out our Instagram account to see cute photos and powerful stories from Eterneva customers who have gone through the healing journey with us and emerged out the other side with a beautiful keepsake of their pet that they can carry with them forever.
