How to Grieve the Loss of a Pet

Posted by: Erin Ward in Grief and Guidance, Memorialization | July 9, 2021

Until you have a pet of your own, you don’t understand the unconditional love and the bond. To many, they weren’t just a pet; they were an important member of the family. That’s why the loss of a pet is just as painful as the loss of a human loved one and should be taken seriously.

People who haven’t experienced this bond may not understand what someone is going through in this situation. This can cause them to come off as insensitive to their grief and unable to acknowledge their grief needs.

To make sure those who are grieving receive the support they need, we want to share ways you can grieve the loss of a pet. We hope this helps those who are grieving a loss or gives those with grieving loved ones some ideas to help them cope with their grief.

Plan a Funeral Service to Honor Your Pet’s Life

A major way you can honor your pet’s life is to plan a funeral or memorial service. For this, you can plan it just like you would a human funeral. You can decide on burial or cremation and hold a service prior to whichever disposition you chose. At the service, you can choose loved ones to read a eulogy, poems, readings, and share memories of your pet. Afterward, you can invite the funeral guests to a reception with food and drinks.

Give Yourself the Time You Need to Grieve

A funeral provides a safe and supportive environment to begin your grief journey. But even after the funeral or memorial service, it’s important to acknowledge your grief and give yourself time to mourn your loss. It’s okay to say no to social events if you’re not ready, but don’t completely isolate yourself. Let your loved ones know how they can help.

There are many healthy ways to grieve a loss; you just need to try out a few options to find what works for you. For example, a few ideas are to take a walk, listen to music, or make a memorial craft to honor your pet’s life.

Find Special Ways to Memorialize Their Life

One way to memorialize your pet is to make a memorial craft. This is something the whole family can do together, or it can be something special for yourself. For example, you can create a photo-based craft, such as a photo album, scrapbook, or memorial frame. There also are many ideas using your pet’s paw print and possessions, such as a clay paw print ornament and pet tag jewelry.

You also can honor your pet’s life by giving back to others. A few ideas are to plant a memorial tree, donate to a charity in their memory, or volunteer at your local animal shelter, when you’re ready.

Seek Help from a Professional Grief Counselor

If needed, don’t be ashamed to seek help from a professional grief counselor. For those who are struggling to complete daily tasks long after their pet’s passing, seeking professional guidance may be right for you. They’re trained to help you cope with your grief. Together, you can find grief techniques that work for you and brainstorm ways to honor and remember your pet.

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