Pet Loss and Grief
Coping with Loss
​Grief is different for everyone, including how long they grieve. Some people even feel that moving past their grief means they’re being disloyal to their pet. But moving forward isn't being disloyal, and you’ll start to know when you’re ready to begin the healing process. Time really does tend to mend a broken heart, and eventually you’ll start to know when the time is right for you. Throughout this process, you'll find plenty of resources to help you both grieve and overcome the loss of your pet, enabling you to move forward and live your life comfortably with the fond memories of your furry friend in your heart.
Anticipatory Grief
Caring for a terminally ill or geriatric pet can be a challenge, often involving special care routines, frequent veterinary visits, and intense worry. Knowing that the time you have left with your beloved pet is limited can cause stress and anxiety. You may find yourself hoping for a natural death, or the “perfect” death.
Many pet owners experience anticipatory grief at this stage of their pet’s journey. Anticipatory grief occurs prior to actually losing your pet, and consists of a range of emotions including fear, guilt, anxiety, and frustration. Anxiety surrounding the anticipation of death is normal, but allowing the anxiety to overwhelm you can interfere with your ability to enjoy the remaining time you have with your pet.
Being prepared for this stage of your pet’s life is the best way to deal with anticipatory grief, and help your pet.
Support Groups
Nationwide Pet Loss Support Group Listing
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Online Support Chatroom
Online Pet Loss Discussion Group
Pet Grief Support Organization
