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Losing a Pet Is Grief Too

April 13, 20262 min readPomni

Grief for a pet that has passed is real and nothing to be ashamed of. Animals become part of the family, and their loss truly hurts.

Contents
  1. It's not just an animal
  2. Allow yourself to grieve
  3. Preserve the memory
  4. Help children grieve

It's not just an animal

A pet is part of daily life and a source of love. Grieving for one is just as natural as grieving for any dear being.

Allow yourself to grieve

Don't dismiss your own feelings, and don't listen to those who do. Give yourself time and the right to be sad.

Preserve the memory

Photos, funny stories, favorite walking spots: gather them all in one place. A memory page is just as fitting for a beloved animal.

Help children grieve

For many children, the death of a pet is their first encounter with loss. Speak honestly, without replacing the truth with stories about sending it to live in the countryside, and allow the tears. Remembering the pet together helps a child move through this loss gently.

  • This is real grief, and nothing to be ashamed of.
  • Don't dismiss your own feelings.
  • Gather the memory of your beloved pet.
  • Help children move through the loss honestly.

Frequently asked questions

Is it shameful to grieve so deeply for an animal?
No. A pet is a member of the family, and the pain of losing one is natural; don't let anyone dismiss it.
Should I get a new pet right away?
Don't rush: give yourself time to move through the loss; a new pet is not a replacement but its own story, one you need to recover before beginning.

Save the story while it is with you

Create a memorial page in a few minutes — gently, beautifully and with respect for your loved ones. Free forever for the text version.

Create a memorial
If it is hard right now — you are not alone. In case of danger to life, call your local emergency number. Reach out to a crisis helpline in your country. More resources are on the support page.
Pomni editors

We help families gently preserve the memory of their loved ones. The materials are written with respect for the subject of loss and are regularly updated. About · Support resources

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