Pet bereavement is the grief we experience after losing an animal who has been an important part of our lives. For many people, pets are companions, sources of comfort and important, valued members of the family. The bond we form with them is often deep and unconditional, which makes their loss profoundly painful. Whether the loss is sudden or expected, the emotional impact can be just as significant as losing a human loved one, even if society doesn’t always recognise it in the same way.

The effects of pet loss can touch every part of daily life. Emotionally, people may feel sadness, guilt, loneliness or anger. Physically, grief can lead to changes in sleep, appetite or energy levels. Sometimes people may struggle with routines that once revolved around their pet or find that familiar spaces feel empty or unsettling. Since pet bereavement can sometimes be minimised by others, people may also feel isolated or unsure whether their grief is “valid,” which can in turn intensify the pain.

Therapy can offer a compassionate space where this grief is acknowledged and understood. Therapy can help individuals explore the depth of their bond, process the emotions that arise and make sense of the unique nature of pet loss. This may include working through feelings of guilt, navigating difficult decisions such as euthanasia, or understanding why the loss feels so overwhelming. Therapy can also provide tools for coping with the practical and emotional adjustments that follow the death of a pet.

Therapy can support people to honour their pet’s memory, integrate the loss into their life story and rebuild a sense of emotional balance. Over time, people often discover renewed strength, a deeper understanding of their own resilience and the ability to reconnect with daily life in a meaningful way.