Losing a pet can be highly emotional, as pets are family members to many people. It can be difficult to know what to say when someone loses a pet, and you may feel confused about how to best comfort a friend, family member, or other loved one who has just lost their beloved companion.

Our article tells you how to best approach this topic and provide your loved one with the compassion they need as they grieve their pet.

Pet Loss and Grief

While some people may not think the loss of a pet warrants grief, plenty of studies have shown that losing a beloved family member like a pet does trigger feelings of grief, loss, and depression. Individuals who are close to their pets will greatly feel the loss of their pet, and this loss can take the form of a grief cycle that is the same as when we lose a human that we love. This is especially true if the animal was a service animal or an emotional support animal, as this relationship goes beyond the typical bonds a person feels with their pet.

There is no timeline for the grief associated with pet loss, and it can take an individual weeks, months, or even years to fully process and accept the loss of their pet. During this time, and immediately after someone loses a pet, it's important to be compassionate and offer your sympathy and strength to a person who is struggling with their loss.

What to Say and Do When Someone Loses a Pet

It can be difficult to know what to say and do when someone loses a pet. Below, we give you some of the best things to keep in mind to approach the loss of someone's pet. Make sure that you are respectful and prepared to listen to your loved one's needs as much as possible as you help them with the loss of their pet.

Offer Condolences

Offering condolences to your loved one is a natural first step when it comes to helping them with the loss of their pet. Examples of condolences that are gentle and show that you are there for your loved one include:

  • I'm so sorry for your loss
  • I'm sorry to hear that
  • My deepest condolences

After offering your condolences, you may want to give your loved one a card, or you may want to relate to them a story about a time you also processed the loss of a pet. You can also mention something special about their pet that you remember; doing this helps to show that your loved one's pet was truly special and left their mark on the world.

Offer to Listen

Sometimes, listening is all that is needed when someone loses a pet. You can offer to listen to your loved one talk about their pet, and if they are feeling open to a conversation, you can share your own stories and memories about their pet. You may also be able to relate to their experience and share stories of your own loss to help commiserate with their feelings.

However, keep in mind that you need to be gentle, and never try to one-up their stories or make your loved one feel like the loss of pets is a competition.

Help Memorialize

A memorial for a lost pet can be a great way to obtain closure, and your loved one may need assistance with memorializing their pet. Ask them what you can do to help and be receptive to their ideas. If your loved one does not feel like they can organize a memorial or funeral service, you may want to do this for them and ensure that they receive the support they need.

Give a Gift

Simple gifts like cards, flowers, and pet loss-related sympathy items can be helpful when someone loses a pet. You can state your condolences as well as provide your loved one with a gift that has some words for healing or strength. Many individuals can benefit from small gifts and poignant words during the initial stages of grief.

Be There

Being there for your loved one when they lose a pet is sometimes all you can do to show your support and care. Make sure your loved one knows that they can speak with you whenever, ask you to help them in their time of need, or share stories about their lost pet. Grief is not an easy process to go through, and you can speak your words of support, condolences, and love to your friend or family member to help them through this time.

Coping After the Loss of a Beloved Pet

Dealing with the loss of a beloved pet can be highly stressful and emotional. During the process of grief, it is important to offer your loved one support and condolences. Refrain from dismissing their feelings or making them feel like they cannot share their struggles with you. Instead, offer a kind heart, a listening ear, and plenty of emotional support to help your loved one through this difficult time.