How to Grieve the Loss of a Pet

Most humans outlive their pets by many, many years. And although we may have multiple dogs or cats over our lifespan, saying goodbye to a pet is always the hardest part. How does one grieve the loss of a pet? We know it’s inevitable, but that doesn’t make it any easier when the time comes.

When you’re preparing for the eventuality that you may have to say your final goodbyes to your beloved pet, it doesn’t feel like much can help you deal with it emotionally. It will always be a heart-breaking process, but there are some things you can do to help lighten the load a little.

Saying goodbye to a pet is never easy

For many pet parents, dogs and cats are part of the family. Losing them is often just as painful as losing a much-loved family member.

Here are some aspects of losing a pet that are worth considering:

• Grieving the loss of a pet. There are many reasons you might lose a pet. Illness, accidents or a loss of enjoyment for life due to the effects of old age might lead you to make the decision to let them go peacefully.  

• Euthanasia. In addition to the sadness of losing your friend, some owners find themselves dealing with unexpected guilt when their pet passes. Especially if they opted/needed to euthanise. Though it’s no easy feat, preparing yourself for this eventuality is important. Read putting a pet to sleep to understand more about the process and emotions involved with this decision.

Consider having cat insurance or dog insurance to help cover the costs of unforeseen treatment costs for injured or ill pets. Pet insurance can cover a wide range of treatment costs, including dental treatments, depending on the level of cover you choose.

PD Insurance plans also covers non-elective euthanasia, no matter which plan option you select.

Suggestions to help grieve the loss of a pet

Remember that everyone grieves differently. Though some of these steps might work for you, others might not feel right. That’s all ok.

Although you won’t eradicate sadness around the loss of your pet, some of these suggestions may help you to feel closure and take the first few steps to recovery. And while you’ll always love them, hopefully in time, you’ll be able to look back on your time together with a smile.

In no particular order, here are some things you might find useful to help grieve the loss of a pet.

1. Hold a memorial service

Funerals and memorials are commonplace when we grieve a human family member. This is because it allows you to share the loss with other people who knew and loved that person. There’s no reason you can’t do the same for your pet.

Whether you invite close friends or family or have a private memorial is up to you. But they can give you the chance to say your final goodbyes.  

2. Make a keepsake

Your pet probably spent countless days and nights by your side, and having something to remember them by can help you feel close to them. Sometimes, a keepsake can help you grieve the loss of a pet.

For horses, it’s often a bracelet made of tail hairs or an ornament crafted from their shoes.

For dogs or cats it could be a framed photo, a potted plant or tree, memorial necklaces, or even a special ornament or decorative piece made from their ashes.

What you choose is up to you, but it can help to have something that brings you happiness, peace, or calm when you look at.

3. Talking can help you grieve the loss of a pet

It can feel hard to talk about your lost pet, especially if you get emotional or choked up. But the loss of your furkid is a type of trauma, and talking through trauma can help you cope. That’s why trauma therapy and counselling are so often recommended for people experiencing loss.

Whether you choose to talk about your pet with friends and family, or even see a counsellor or therapist, it might help. Verbalising your thoughts can help you to acknowledge and process your feelings. And ultimately, help you grieve the loss of your pet.

3. Volunteer with animals

You might not want a new pet right now, or ever, but you probably have a deep love for animals. If you have the time and resources, volunteering at a shelter or fostering a pet can give you contact with animals without a long term commitment. And knowing you’re helping needy animals can bring a much-needed boost of happy hormones.

It’s also an opportunity to develop relationships and friendships with other like-minded people. Strong support networks with people who understand you can help you through the grieving process too.  

If you’re not able to volunteer in person but think helping a shelter (perhaps in your pet’s name?) would make you feel good, you can support them financially. Find out more about what to donate to shelters.

4. When you grieve pet loss don’t be afraid to cry

You might feel like crying will make things worse. But in fact, crying can often help you cope with sad and stressful situations. There are even health benefits to crying. It’s not that you’ll suddenly be “over” the loss of your dog or cat after a good cry, but you do often feel a bit better.

This is because crying releases endorphins which help to ease both emotional pain and can leave you feeling better than you were before. Saying goodbye to a pet is never easy, but shedding some tears can help process the experience.

Enjoy every minute

One day, you’ll probably have to say goodbye to and grieve the loss of a pet. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your life with them to the fullest. As they say, it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

Spend as much time playing, cuddling, relaxing, training, and making memories with your pet as you can. You’ll want to remember them and their quirks fondly in the years to come.

Here are some suggestions for building a great bond with your pet from day one:

• Playtime and exercise. Puppy playtime and playtime for dogs and cats is as much about fun and games as it is for training, health and bonding.
• Pet holidays. Take a holiday to a pet friendly Airbnb or other pet friendly accommodation, like dog friendly camping. Here are some tips for travelling with your dog or cat.
• Making time in your busy schedule. If you got a pet but work fulltime and hardly have a spare moment, consider sleeping with your cat or sleeping with your dog in your bed – it could even have health benefits!
• Pamper your pet. Here are some great ways to show you love your pet. We’ve rounded up even more ideas for celebrating pampered pets across NZ.

There are many ways to show your pets love, from a walk in the park to a cuddle or a treat. Another way is providing the safety net of pet insurance.

Award winning pet insurance for pets and pockets

When spending the final months, weeks, hours and minutes with your pet, having pet insurance to cushion unexpected vet treatment costs can be useful. This can allow you to focus on your pet rather than the costs for a wide range of unforeseen costs like surgery, hospitalisation and prescription medication.

grieving the loss of a pet can be devastating. However, euthanasia can be a peaceful and kind thing to do for a pet who’s nearing the end of their natural life or is experiencing untenable pain. All our pet insurance plans include cover for non-elective euthanasia.

Pet insurance can be useful to get early on when pets are still young and healthy. This way they can get lifetime cover. When you join PD Pet Insurance, we’ll give you one or more months of FREE pet insurance. Click below to get a quote today.