Grief
The bond we share with our animals is unique.
Losing a beloved pet can be an incredibly difficult experience. Our pets are not just animals; they are family, offering unconditional love and companionship throughout their lives. Loss can make people feel a range of emotions. Most people expect to feel sadness, but feelings such as guilt, anger and even relief that a pet is no longer suffering can also be felt, and everyone may experience these differently. It’s important to be gentle on oneself, and understanding all these feelings are valid and that it is ok to grieve a lost friend.
When the time comes to say goodbye, the process can feel overwhelming and many people aren’t sure what to do. We’re here to help answer any questions you may have about the aftercare process and what you might expect around this time in your pets journey. Your veterinarian is the best place to start the conversation if you feel the right time to say goodbye is coming but we are also here to help answer your questions.
Recommended Resources
Free NZ pet loss grief hotline - 0800 114 421
What can I do to help process the loss of my pet?
Hold a ceremony or memorial, if you have chosen the cardboard scatter box you can choose to scatter or bury your pet’s ashes.
If you have children, they can participate by drawing a picture or writing a poem about the pet. They could also create a memory book or board with photos and drawings.
If you are making arrangements for your pet’s passing due to chronic illness or old age, you may be able to plan for their last day. This could be filled with a final adventure, lots of treats and lots of love and family.
How do I support children during the loss of a pet?
Children are much more resilient than we think and it may seem like we should try to protect them from what is happening by using softer and vague language around illness and death.
By using direct language that is age-appropriate, it will help reduce any confusion they may feel by hearing things such as “put to sleep”, “passing” or “gone to a better place”. Using clear terms such as “death” and “died” will help them to better process and understand what is happening.
Allowing children to process things in their own way is important, giving them time to understanding what is happening before the pet has passed or getting to say goodbye afterwards.