Losing a pet can be one of the most painful experiences we face, because pets are family, not “just animals”. When they’re gone, the silence in the house and the missing routines can feel overwhelming, but there are practical ways to cope and find support.  

If you’re grieving the loss of a dog, cat or any companion animal, your feelings are completely valid. There is no “right” way to grieve and no set timeline you must follow.

Understanding your grief

Grieving a pet can feel very similar to losing a human loved one, and many people experience sadness, guilt, anger, shock or numbness. You may also find yourself replaying events leading up to their passing, especially if you had to make a euthanasia decision, and wondering if you did the right thing. These reactions are a natural part of grief. It can help to remember that choosing euthanasia is often an act of love, made to prevent further suffering, even though it feels incredibly hard at the time.

You might notice changes in your sleep patterns, appetite and ability to concentrate. If day-to-day life becomes very difficult, reaching out for additional support is an important step.

Practical ways to cope day to day

While nothing removes the pain immediately, small, gentle actions can help you navigate each day.

• Talk about your pet: Share memories with trusted friends and family, or with others who have experienced pet loss. Saying your pet’s name out loud and telling stories can keep their memory alive in a comforting way.
• Create a personal memorial: You could frame your favourite photo, keep their collar or toy somewhere special, light a candle, or plant a flower or tree in their memory. Rituals like these can provide a sense of connection and a place to focus your grief.
• Write down your feelings: Writing a letter to your pet about what they meant to you can be a powerful way to process emotions you might struggle to express in conversation.
• Keep some structure: Pets shape our daily routines. Maintaining regular mealtimes, walks (even without your dog), or other habits can help you feel more grounded when life suddenly feels different.
• Be kind to yourself: Grief is exhausting. Where possible, allow yourself rest, accept offers of help and try not to judge your emotions or how long they last.

Professional and charity support in the UK

You do not have to cope with pet loss alone. In the UK, there are dedicated services offering emotional support, including free helplines and online communities.

Blue Cross Pet Loss Support Helpline 

Blue Cross runs a free and confidential pet bereavement helpline and support service for anyone struggling with the loss of a pet, enforced separation or end-of-life decisions. Freephone helpline: 0800 096 6606 (UK only, including Northern Ireland) with opening hours of 8.30am to 8.30pm every day of the year. Support is also available via email, webchat and online resources. More info can be found here.

Trained volunteers offer emotional support and understanding, and can signpost you to further help if needed. They are not formal counsellors, but they do understand how devastating pet loss can be and will listen without judgement.

Dogs Trust Memory Wall 

Dogs Trust offers online bereavement information for owners who have lost a dog. The Dogs Trust Memory Wall gives you the chance to share a tribute, photos and stories about your dog, and to read other people’s stories, too. 

PDSA National Collection of Pet Memories
You can call the PDSA and share your thoughts and feelings on Freephone 0300 3737 226

Cats Protection offer a “Paws to Listen” Grief Support Service
Cats Protection provides pet related grief support on 0800 024 94 94 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

RSPCA
Provides online guides on managing grief. 

Getting in touch with charities like Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, PDSA, RSPCA and Cats Protection can provide both emotional comfort and a sense of community at a time when you may feel very isolated.

Helping children through pet loss

For many children, losing a pet is their first experience of death. How you support them now can shape how they cope with loss in future.

• Be honest but gentle. Use clear, age-appropriate language rather than saying the pet “went to sleep”, which can cause confusion or fear. It’s okay to say that their body stopped working and they died.
• Encourage questions and feelings. Let children know it’s okay to feel sad, angry or confused, and that any tears are a normal part of missing someone you love.
• Involve them in goodbye rituals. Ask if they’d like to draw a picture, write a note, help choose a photo for a frame or light a candle. Taking part in these activities can help them process what’s happened.

If a child is really struggling or their behaviour changes significantly over time, consider seeking extra support through your GP, school or a bereavement service.

When (and whether) to get another pet

A common question after pet loss is: “When is the right time to get another pet?” There is no single right answer, and everyone is different.

Some people feel that welcoming another pet relatively soon helps them channel their love and create new routines. Others need months or even years before they feel ready. The key is not to rush yourself or feel pressured by others’ opinions.

When you do feel ready, try to see a new pet as an individual companion, not a replacement. The love you had for the pet you lost will always be unique, and making space for a new relationship does not diminish that.

You’re not alone

Grieving a pet can feel incredibly lonely, especially if those around you don’t fully understand the depth of the bond you shared. But many thousands of people in the UK go through this every year, and there is support available.

At PetInsuranceReview.co.uk, we see every day how much pets mean to their families, through the reviews owners leave about their experiences and the lengths they go to for their animals’ care. While pet insurance helps protect your pet’s health and wellbeing throughout their life, your emotional wellbeing matters just as much when it’s time to say goodbye.

If you’re struggling right now, consider:

• Talking to someone you trust about how you feel
• Calling the Blue Cross Pet Loss Support line on 0800 096 6606 between 8.30am and 8.30pm any day of the year.
• Reading others’ stories or sharing your own tribute to your dog through the Dogs Trust’s Memory Wall.

Above all, try to give yourself permission to grieve in your own way and at your own pace. The love you shared with your pet is what made them so special – and that love doesn’t end when they’re gone.