Coping with the loss of a pet

If your pet has died, you may be feeling more than you expected. That's not a sign that anything is wrong. Grief for a pet is real grief. You lost someone who was there every day, who knew your routines and your moods, and who loved you without asking for much in return.

Some people around you may not understand. They may say your pet was only an animal, or ask when you'll get another. Their words don't change what your pet meant to you.

It comes in waves

Grief rarely moves in a straight line. You might feel fine for a morning and then be undone by a food bowl, an empty spot on the couch, or the time of day you used to go for a walk. Those moments can come back weeks or months later. That is part of grieving, not a step backward.

There is no right timeline

Some people feel lighter after a few weeks. For others it takes much longer. Neither is the right way. Be patient with yourself, and let the days be what they are.

Talking helps

Saying your pet's name out loud, telling a story, or sitting with someone who knew your pet can ease some of the weight. If the people close to you aren't the right ones to talk to, there are others who are.

The support lines and groups below are run by people who understand pet loss. You don't need a reason to call or join beyond missing your pet.