Coping With Losing a Pet

There Is No Single Way to Feel

You might cry, feel numb, be angry, or move between feelings during the same afternoon. You might feel relief after a long period of nursing your pet, followed by guilt about that relief. These responses can be part of grief. There is no timetable you have to follow, and the size or species of your pet does not determine how much they mattered.

Grief can affect sleep, appetite and concentration. You do not have to make your experience look like anyone else’s, or explain why you are upset to people who do not understand your relationship.

Make Today a Little More Manageable

Choose one or two small things rather than trying to organise your whole life. Have something easy to eat, keep water nearby, and consider asking someone you trust to check in. If a decision can safely wait, give yourself permission to leave it for another day.

• Ask for a specific kind of help: company for an evening, a meal, or someone to make a phone call with you.
• Put essential appointments and tasks in one place so you do not have to hold everything in your head.
• If you need to work, consider telling a trusted colleague or manager that you have had a bereavement and asking what flexibility is possible.

When the House Feels Too Quiet

The difficult moment might be opening the front door, waking at feeding time, or reaching for a lead. You could arrange a call at that time, sit somewhere different for breakfast, or take a short walk with a friend. These are small options to try, not things you have to do.

You can leave a bed or bowl where it is, put it somewhere out of sight, or ask someone else to help. You do not need to make permanent decisions about every belonging today.

Let People Know What Helps

If “you can get another one” hurts, it is reasonable to say so. You could tell a friend: “I’m missing them. I don’t need a solution, but I would like to talk about them.” You can also choose not to discuss it with someone who dismisses your loss.

You Can Ask for More Support

A pet-loss listener can offer space to talk. If you are struggling to cope, or grief is making everyday life difficult, contact your GP. You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable. Our support directory explains where to start.

Sources & Further Reading

Written by Vet Reviews using the resources below. General information; for personal healthcare or veterinary decisions, speak to the relevant professional.

• Cats Protection: How Grief May Affect You
• NHS: Grief, Bereavement and Loss

Sources checked on 10 September 2026.