When my dog passed away four years ago, coping with the loss was challenging. I know I am not alone. People turn to their pets . However, pets have a , and losing a companion animal is a common experience.
Research shows that losing a pet can be , yet the grief over a companion animal is often . As a result, losing a pet can be an isolating experience.
, and . Some may think: “It’s just an animal.” However, words like these dismiss the pain and make an already difficult experience even lonelier.
As a researcher who has studied the human-animal bond for more than a decade, and as someone who has shared her life with pets, I understand that while having a pet is deeply fulfilling, the grieving process can be profoundly difficult.
. Rituals, comforting words, the space to talk about what happened, and primarily, validation — these things help us process loss. But the reality is that when someone loses a pet, finding that support is harder.
Offering non-judgmental support and developing inclusive strategies, such as , can be valuable initiatives to help. of ways to provide effective and compassionate support to those grieving a pet can help us that the loss of a companion animal is less significant than losing a beloved human.
Navigating pet loss
Several studies show that living with a pet can have a positive impact on people’s . These bonds run deep, and consider their companion animals family.
The journey through pet loss is unique for each individual, but it usually involves like , besides like aches, headache and rumination.
One of the most important barriers to finding support is the . People often of grief over a pet. These perceptions of judgment exacerbate the pain and increase social isolation. This, in turn, can increase the risk of mental health issues, particularly among those with a .
Factors shaping pet grief
Several factors can shape how people grieve, including . Even when a pet dies by natural causes or old age, people may experience intense feelings of loss. can lead to . When a pet dies, people may feel guilty and left with a feeling that they failed to care for the pet.
. This refers to the type of bond between people and their pets and the feelings involved in this relationship. For instance, perceiving . If the person , it may be more challenging, too.
At the same time, provides a sense of belonging. Those who have room to voice their feelings and share their pain . A more compassionate and pet-inclusive approach can be valuable in the pet grief journey. This type of support can help to , stress and social isolation.
Support in workplaces
Regardless of differences in pet attachment and how a person lost their pet, initiatives to increase social support during these difficult experiences can have a significant impact on people’s ability to cope.
Take workplaces, for instance. People are often expected to show up and function as if nothing happened, carrying their grief in silence. However, some companies have adjusted their policies to a , and the result is promising.
Companies that offer , including leave, can help .
Considering that , this type of policy can not only offers a concrete demonstration of empathy but could also attract some employees and increase productivity. By providing the necessary time to heal, the company can have more loyal and productive employees.
As pets increasingly become integral to our emotional lives, is fundamental. This includes providing support for people facing the difficult experience of losing a pet after a life of sharing daily moments with them.
, without comparison or judgment. We cannot take away each other’s grief but we can stand beside one another in it. That, in itself, makes all the difference.
Validation and emotional support from family and friends and such as pet bereavement leave can also make a real difference. They send a powerful message: We care about your pain. You are not alone.
Renata Roma does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
