Grieving for a pet

Grieving for a pet huunuu

Share This Post

They are our best friends and our companions. Our furry friends share our homes and our lives so it can be devastating when they die. Grieving for a pet can be difficult.

More often than not people are sympathetic, but there will always be that one person who will say something along the lines of ‘it’s only an animal’ which can add to your upset and sometimes even question your emotions.

Losing a pet can feel like losing a beloved member of the family and it’s important to recognise the loss and understand that it is perfectly normal and ok to feel grief, which can at times feel overwhelming.

The UK’s leading Vet charity, PDSA have a handy guide to help you through this difficult process. Here are three helpful things they share:

  1. Talk to supportive family and friends, who will understand and are possibly going through the same thing. Everyone experiences grief in different ways and it is absolutely fine to cry or withdraw.
  2. Understand the stages of grief. For example you may start questioning; did I do the right thing? Could I have changed the outcome? This is perfectly normal and part of the grieving process.
  3. Memories and legacy. It can be helpful to have a funeral or memorial for your pet. This could be something like, planting some flowers in their favourite bit of the garden, the family going on a remembrance walk to your pet’s favourite walkie spot, or reading a poem.

Memorials

Here are some great options that we thought could help you find a lasting memorial to your pet.

  1. Battersea is well known as being one of the UK’s leading pet charities and they have created an online pet memorial, which is a touching way to remember your dear friends. Here you can create your own memorial, perhaps sharing a special memory and a photo. We found it a heartwarming  and special place.
  2. Did you know you can make jewellery from your pets paw print? A lovely way to treasure your beloved pet. We found Silver Prints but there are many other options out there.
  3. Remember your pet has memorial stones for your garden and also garden stakes and headstones. A lovely tribute and a place to go to, when remembering your pet.

Support

Blue Cross: Pet Bereavement support line –  Freephone – 0800 096 6606

“Our mission is to reach as many people as possible with compassion and understanding, so that no one goes through the pain of losing a pet alone.”

Cats Protection: Paws to Listen – Freephone – 0800 024 94 94

Ralph theralphsite.com –  set up by vet Shailen Jasani in July 2011 after the loss of his beloved cat, Ralph. We came across this wonderful place recently and wanted to share!
Animal Samaritans animalsamaritans.org.uk
Living with pet bereavement – livingwithpetbereavement.com.

More To Explore

Scroll to Top