Humane Services

Coping with the Loss of a Pet

The loss of a pet can be a truly heartbreaking experience, like losing a dear friend or family member. It’s normal to go through a grieving process when your pet passes away and to have feelings of guilt, sadness and even relief when making the decision to euthanize. In some cases, especially if the loss was sudden, symptoms of posttraumatic stress can occur.

Talking to children who have lost a pet

It’s important to be honest with children. Use ageappropriate language, let them know its normal to be sad and invite them to talk about their feelings. It can also help to let them know that you feel sad too. With older children, you may want to involve them in the decision to euthanize.

Tips to help with pet loss

y Don’t downplay your loss or the role your pet played in your life. It’s ok to cry, grieve and take the time you need to heal.

y Talk about your loss with friends, family or a mental health professional.

y Write a goodbye letter or have a goodbye ceremony. This could be as simple as leaving a painted rock on their favourite walking trail or hanging a picture ornament on the Christmas Tree.

y Make a memorial donation to a group you support. It may help to give gratitude for the love your pet gave you and to extend that good will onto others.

y Seek additional help.

There are many online communities and grief or bereavement resources that can help with dealing with the loss of your pet.

If you have thoughts of self-harm or are in immediate mental distress, please call the Mental Health Crisis Line at 811.