You and your pet share boundless joy, unconditional love, and happiness. When they pass away, their indelible impact on your life lingers. One of the most challenging experiences any loving pet owner will face is saying goodbye to their cherished four-legged friend. Grieving can take longer for some than for others, and finding ways to cope with the loss can be incredibly helpful. Our Pinedale Animal Hospital team knows how challenging life can be after a pet loss, and we offer you practical advice for coping and healing.

Understanding pet owner grief

For many, losing a pet can be just as or sometimes more difficult than losing a human companion. Grief is the inevitable result of losing someone you love. Grief comes in different stages, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, the grieving process isn’t always linear. Some days, you may feel like you’ve accepted the loss, only to return to denial or anger another day. You may feel varied emotions, from guilt and remorse to relief, particularly if your pet was suffering. Remember, everything you are feeling is quite normal. Each person’s journey through grief is unique, and no “right” way to grieve exists.

Practical pet loss coping strategies

While carrying on with life after your pet has passed away can be extremely challenging, life still requires your participation. While juggling work, personal commitments, and family obligations, you can still cope with your loss in the following compassionate ways:

  • Allow yourself to grieve — Give yourself permission to feel and express your emotions, no matter what they are. Cry if you need to; it’s a cathartic release. Embracing your feelings helps provide closure and acceptance.
  • Stay connected — Reach out often to friends or family who understand your loss and can lift your spirits or provide a shoulder on which you can cry. If you need additional support, consider joining an in-person or online pet loss support group. These pet owners have been in your position and can validate and affirm your feelings.
  • Seek professional help — If you’re still struggling to cope after some time has passed, consider counseling or therapy. Pet loss hotlines and pet grief counselors can provide structured support.
  • Maintain your routine — As challenging as life may seem, maintaining your daily routine, including exercise, hygiene, work, and social time, is integral to self-care and well-being. Your daily routine can provide normalcy despite what you may feel. Also, engage in activities that bring you joy and distraction such as a favorite hobby or physical activity.
  • Take care of yourself — Pay attention to your physical health: eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. Try to avoid using substances as a way to numb the pain, which may provide temporary relief but leave you feeling worse and sometimes more depressed. Choose activities that provide mental, emotional, and physical health instead.
  • Create a pet memorial — Hold a small ceremony or create a physical memorial, such as a garden stone or a photo album, in honor of your furry friend. Share stories and memories with friends and family to encourage positive feelings about the time you shared with your beloved pet.
  • Help other pets — While you may not be ready to adopt another pet, spending time with animals can provide deep healing and connection. Dogs, cats, horses, and other animals are attuned to human emotion. Without words, their presence can provide you with comfort. You’ll feel good knowing you are contributing to a worthy cause. 
  • Read books about pet loss — For some, researching articles and reading books on grief, pet loss, and recovery can be beneficial. Knowledge and information are instrumental in understanding grief and its many stages and phases.

Moving forward after pet loss

While the hurt of losing your cherished pet may never go away entirely, eventually, you will come to acceptance. Reflect on your pet’s positive impact on your life, including moments of laughter. Focusing on the positive memories helps you recognize that your furry pal had a wonderful life of love, care, and companionship. When you’re ready, consider adopting another pet. Adoption is not about replacing your lost pet but opening your heart to new love.

Life after pet loss may not be the same, but you will heal and recover with time, patience, and plenty of self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and seek support when needed. Your pet’s love will continue, reminding you of the unique companionship you shared with them. Contact our compassionate Pinedale Animal Hospital team if you are struggling to cope after saying goodbye to your furry pal.