Pet Loss & Grief

Losing a Family member

As an animal lover who always has a dog by my side, I understand the unique and incredible bond that can develop between you and your pet. I’ve had various pets throughout my life, and I’ve grieved deeply for each one after they’ve passed. I know firsthand that the death of a pet can be a profound and devastating loss.

Pets are not “just animals”. They are companions and family members. They offer us unconditional love that is free of judgment, and they give us consistent affection and loyalty that can often be harder to find in human relationships.

The attachment we develop to our companion animal provides stability, comfort and adds joy to our everyday lives. When a pet dies, it can feel like your foundation and your sense of self has been altered. Because of the intense bond that can evolve between a person and their pet, it can feel like a piece of you is missing when you lose them.

Multiple studies have shown that there is no difference between grieving the death of a pet versus grieving the death of a human. The severity of your grief is directly correlated to the attachment you have to the person or animal.

Your Grief is Real and it Matters

One of the most difficult aspects of grieving a pet is that this particular kind of loss is often misunderstood by family and friends. When people lose family members that are close to them, there is a recognition of that loss. Your workplace may give you time off. You may get support from those around you. There may be sympathy cards or kind words from co-workers.

When your pet dies, the impact of that loss can be minimized by those who don’t recognize the meaning that your pet held in your life. You may feel shame or guilt because it feels like others believe you are overreacting to the loss. Sometimes grief can be confusing because you might feel a sense of relief too. If your pet was sick or struggling, there may be a part of you that feels a sense of peace in knowing they are no longer in pain.

When there is a lack of acknowledgment for what you are going through, it can compound your grief. If you don’t feel supported, it can leave you feeling isolated or invalidated. In our work together, I take your grief seriously. I will help you explore these painful feelings and allow a safe space to fully grieve your family member.