Pets and their owners share a bond that is considered irreplaceable. Losing a pet can feel like losing a family member or even a child. While owning a pet has many positives, dealing with loss and grief is surely a negative and can be hard to acknowledge. Through understanding the stages of grief, identifying signs with behavioral and physical changes, and ideas of how to cope, this will help navigate a challenging time. 

As mentioned earlier, the bond between humans and animals is so unique, that losing one can cause symptoms similar to withdrawal. Unconditional love and acceptance, social interaction, empathy and compassion are all traits of the connection between owners and their loved ones. 

Grief for a pet is real and deserves acknowledgement. They provide us with companionship, routine, and a sense of purpose. Their absence can leave a big void in our lives. Losing them causes some people to feel like they’ve lost their identity and makes the grieving process even more challenging.

The 5 Stages of Grief After Losing a Pet

Denial – shock and disbelief are most commonly experienced at the initial loss of a pet.

Bargaining – the act of negotiating to do whatever possible to bring a pet back.

Anger – comes from the unfairness of losing a pet, blaming yourself (or others), and feeling powerless.

Depression – an isolating, emotional low usually stemmed from memories and reminders that a loved one is no longer here. 

Acceptance – a gradual embrace of coming to terms with the loss.

It is important to note that the above stages and feelings are never in a specific order. Because grieving isn’t the same for everyone, some people may only go through the emotions of 1 or 2 of them before accepting a new reality. Others may cycle through these stages multiple times before coming to terms, and that’s okay too. There is no right or wrong way to navigate grief. 

Behavioral, Physical, and Emotional Signs After Losing a Pet

Behavioral – some people may avoid reminders that their pet has crossed the rainbow bridge. Others believe they can still see or hear their pet.

Physical – changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating.

Emotional – sadness, anger, guilt, and loneliness, which are all associated with the five stages of grief.

Coping with Pet Grief

Acknowledge your feelings – by doing so, this will reduce it from bubbling up later in unhealthy ways. Coping can be the hardest and longest process. It’s important to allow yourself to grieve because the more it’s avoided, the more it will hurt.

Memorialize your pet – end of life services includes cremation, burial, and memory boxes. Clay paw prints also allow a tactile memory that can be held or placed in a shadowbox for safe keeping.

Self-care practices – it’s important to take care of your body after a traumatic experience such as losing a pet. Nature walks, relaxation techniques during yoga, and exercise are highly recommended. 

Consider getting another pet – some people can’t bear to have another pet in their life after taking a loss very hard. Others find comfort in adding a new addition to their family. Fostering is always an option as well. Either decision is okay and there is no timeline, except when you feel ready. Getting a new pet doesn’t replace your old one and should be seen as a new chapter with new adventures. 

Find support – Friends, family, and pet loss support groups are the best places to turn to. It’s important to find someone who has also gone through the challenge of losing a beloved pet to discuss coping mechanisms they may have used. 

You are not alone in your grief.

Additional Resources for Pet Loss Support

1. Call 988 - National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
   https://988lifeline.org/

2. Lap of Love
   https://www.lapoflove.com/our-services/pet-loss-support

3. APLB – Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement
   https://www.aplb.org/

4. University of Florida Pet Loss Support  https://smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/resources/pet-loss-support/

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