How to Cope With Losing a Pet: Support, Resources & Comfort

We just lost our beloved dog of 16+ years and the tears are flowing as I type this. It is not my first pet loss but it hurts the same. If you’re coping with the loss of a pet, please know you’re not alone. Our pets are truly family, and grieving them is real and valid – and like I told my daughter, our pet deserves the honor of our grief because she is our family. I put together this guide to share compassionate, practical ways to process the pain, help to support your family (especially kids), and to honor your pet’s memory.

Understanding Pet Loss Grief

Grief can look different for everyone: sadness, guilt, anger, even relief after a long illness. All of it is normal. Try not to judge your timeline or your feelings. If daily routines feel empty—no leash by the door, no food bowl to fill—that’s a real, painful adjustment. Give yourself time and kindness.

Ways to Cope With Losing a Pet

• Acknowledge your grief: It’s okay to cry, reminisce, or take a day off. Avoid minimizing your loss with “it was just a pet.”
• Share memories: Talk with family and friends who “get it.” Tell favorite stories; look through photos or videos together.
• Journal or write a letter: Expressing feelings in a journal, poem, or letter to your pet can be deeply healing.
• Keep gentle routines: A short walk, quiet tea time, or sitting in your pet’s favorite sunny spot can bring comfort.
• Lean on community: Online pet loss support groups can help you feel less alone.
• Honor your pet: Create a ritual, light a candle, or start a small memory corner (see memorial ideas below).

Helping Children Through Pet Loss

Kids often feel grief intensely but may not have the words. Be honest in age-appropriate ways (“Her body stopped working” is clearer than “She went to sleep”). Encourage them to ask questions and share feelings. Activities like drawing, writing notes to your pet, or making a memory box can help.

What if euthanasia was involved? Children over about age 7 can usually begin to understand euthanasia when it’s explained gently and honestly. For younger children, focus on the idea that your pet was very sick or in pain, and the veterinarian helped them die peacefully. For older kids, you might say: “Our pet’s body was very tired and hurting. The doctor gave medicine to help them die peacefully so they wouldn’t hurt anymore.” Honesty builds trust and reassures children that their pet wasn’t abandoned or taken away suddenly.

When A Pet Dies by Fred Rogers offers gentle, age-appropriate reassurance for children. It validates big feelings and reminds kids that, over time, painful feelings soften and loving memories remain. Find it on Amazon here.

Meaningful Memorial Ideas

• Memory box: Save a collar, tag, or favorite toy with printed photos and notes from family members.
• Living tribute: Plant a tree, flower, or small garden in your pet’s honor.
• Photo book: Collect favorite pictures and little captions—kids love adding drawings or stickers.
• Donation in their name: Support a local shelter or rescue to extend your pet’s legacy of love.
• Personal keepsake: Consider a small pet memorial piece for your home.

When to Seek Extra Support

If grief is disrupting sleep, appetite, work, or school for more than a few weeks—or you feel stuck in guilt or hopelessness—consider talking with a counselor or joining a moderated support group. Your veterinarian or local shelter may have a list of pet loss hotlines and grief resources.

Trusted Pet Loss Resources

• Humane Society: Coping with the Death of Your Pet
• ASPCA Pet Loss Support
• Rainbow Bridge

Related on Fabulessly Frugal: How to Get Through Losing a Pet

Who & How: This guide was written from personal experience and curated community resources to help families navigate pet loss with compassion. Content reviewed for accuracy and clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Coping with the Loss of a Pet

How long does grief last after losing a pet?

There’s no set timeline. Some people feel lighter in a few weeks; others take months. Let your process be what it is, and seek extra support if daily life feels unmanageable.

Is it okay to get another pet right away?

It’s a personal decision. Some families find comfort in adopting again quickly; others need more time. Wait until you can welcome a new pet without comparing or feeling pressured.

What should I tell my kids?

Use clear, simple language. Validate feelings, invite questions, and offer activities (drawing, letters, memory box) to help them express love and loss.

How do I explain euthanasia to my child?

For younger kids, keep it simple: “Our pet was very sick and hurting. The veterinarian helped them die peacefully so they wouldn’t hurt anymore.” For kids ~7 and up, you can add that the doctor used special medicine to help their body stop gently and end the pain. Honest, calm language builds trust.

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