The love stays,
even after
goodbye.
Our pets are part of our families. They share our homes, our routines, our happiest moments and some of our most difficult days.
Whether you are preparing for the loss of a beloved pet or adjusting to life afterwards, grief is a natural response to the love and connection you share.
You are not alone. Your pet matters, your feelings matter, and support is available when you need it.
They were never
just a pet.
Pets give us companionship, comfort and a sense of connection. They are there when we wake up, when we return home, and through the ordinary moments that make up our lives.
When they are no longer there, we may miss far more than their physical presence. We miss the greeting at the door, the familiar sounds, the walks, the quiet company and the unconditional affection they gave us.
Grief after losing a pet is a normal response to losing an important relationship. It deserves the same kindness and understanding as any other significant loss.
Grief can feel different for everyone.
These are examples, not stages you must go through. There is no single correct experience of grief.
Why can losing a pet
hurt so much?
Some people are surprised to find that the death of a pet feels as painful as, or sometimes even more painful than, the loss of a human family member.
This doesn't mean that one relationship was more important than another. Every relationship is different, and so is the grief that follows.
For many of us, our relationship with a pet is one of the most consistent and uncomplicated sources of companionship in our lives.
The depth of your grief reflects the place your pet held in your life. It does not need to be justified or compared with anyone else's.
They are part of every day.
Feeding, walking, playing and resting together create countless small moments of connection.
They offer companionship without judgement.
Pets can be a steady source of comfort, affection and acceptance through life's ups and downs.
We often care for them very closely.
As their carers, we may have structured our days around their needs, especially during illness or older age.
Others may not always understand.
When someone minimises pet loss, it can make grief feel even lonelier. Your relationship and your loss still matter.
Sometimes grief begins
before goodbye.
You don't have to wait until your pet has died to experience grief. When a beloved companion is ageing, living with a serious illness or approaching the end of their life, you may already feel a sense of loss.
This is sometimes called anticipatory grief. It is a common and understandable response to knowing that your time together may be limited.
The difficult feelings before goodbye.
You may feel sadness while your pet is still beside you, or anxiety about how you will cope when they are gone.
You might worry about making the right decision, whether you are acting too soon, or whether waiting longer may allow their suffering to increase.
It is also possible to grieve changes that have already happened — when your pet can no longer enjoy walks, play, food or other activities they once loved.
These feelings do not mean that you have given up on your pet. They are part of caring deeply about their wellbeing.
Finding comfort in the time you still have.
Where possible, focus on the moments your pet can still enjoy. This may be sitting together in the sunshine, gentle pats, favourite treats or simply being close.
Photographs, videos and small keepsakes may become treasured memories later, but you don't need to turn every remaining moment into a special occasion.
If you are worried about your pet's comfort or quality of life, speaking with your veterinarian can help you understand the options available.
Understanding when it's time
Small things
that may help.
There is no formula for working through grief and no particular order to follow. Some of these simple approaches may provide comfort in the days and weeks following your loss.
Talk about your pet.
Share stories, photographs and favourite memories with people who understand what your pet meant to you.
Be gentle with yourself.
Rest, regular meals and time outdoors may help when everyday tasks feel more difficult. Allow yourself to take things slowly.
Give yourself time.
You don't need to put belongings away, change routines or make memorial decisions until you feel ready.
Reach out for support.
You do not need to manage difficult feelings alone. Friends, family, grief services and mental health professionals can all provide support.
Everyone experiences
loss differently.
Helping children understand.
For many children, losing a pet is their first experience of death. Their responses may include sadness, questions, confusion or moving quickly between grief and play.
Simple, honest and age-appropriate explanations are usually best. Explain clearly that their pet has died rather than relying only on phrases such as "gone to sleep".
Drawing pictures, sharing memories, looking at photographs or taking part in a goodbye ritual may help children express their feelings.
Supporting other pets at home.
Other animals in the household may notice the absence of their companion. Some become more clingy, unsettled or withdrawn, while others may show very little outward change.
Where practical, other pets should be given the opportunity to spend some time with their companion at some point during or after the goodbye. There is no need to force the interaction — allow them to approach, investigate or move away in their own way.
Maintaining familiar routines, providing reassurance and allowing time to adjust may also be helpful.
If a surviving pet stops eating, seems unwell or has persistent behavioural changes, speak with your regular veterinarian rather than assuming grief is the cause.
A special place
for their memory.
Some families find comfort in creating a lasting reminder of a pet they love. It doesn't need to be elaborate or expensive — only meaningful to you.
Our Memorial Gallery.
Share a photograph, a favourite memory or a few words celebrating your pet's life through our website's memorial space.
Visit the Memorial GalleryPlant a tree or flowering shrub.
Planting something in your garden can create a peaceful place to remember your pet. Watching it grow may become a comforting reminder of their life.
Choose something suited to your garden and safe for any other pets in the household.
Create a memory box.
Keep a collar, photograph, favourite toy, name tag, paw print or small handwritten note together. You can add to it whenever you feel ready.
Remember in your own way.
Light a candle, visit a favourite walking spot, write a letter to your pet or spend time sharing happy stories. The way you remember them is entirely your choice.
Support is available
when you need it.
Your pet was family, and the grief you experience deserves understanding. If you're finding things difficult, there are people who will listen without judgement.
The following Australian organisations offer free grief information, emotional support or mental health services. You can reach out even if you're not sure what to say.
NALAG
Pet loss and grief supportThe National Association of Loss and Grief recognises the profound grief that can follow the death of a pet.
Their pet-loss information covers common feelings, ways to remember your pet and supporting others. They also provide free national grief support.
Griefline
Free grief supportGriefline has a dedicated guide to coping with the loss of a pet, including sadness, guilt and changes to daily routines.
They also offer telephone support and an online peer-support forum where people can connect with others experiencing grief.
Beyond Blue
Mental health supportBeyond Blue offers free mental health support for people experiencing difficult emotions, distress, anxiety or depression.
Telephone and online support are available if your grief is affecting your broader mental health or you feel you need someone to talk to.
Lifeline
24/7 crisis supportIf your grief or emotional distress feels overwhelming and you need immediate support, Lifeline has trained crisis supporters available.
Confidential support is available by telephone, text and online chat, at any time of the day or night.
You are always
welcome to reach out.
Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who understands the decisions involved in saying goodbye to a pet.
If we have helped your family, please feel welcome to contact us if you have questions about your pet's care, their appointment or anything about the experience that has been on your mind.
We're happy to listen, talk things through where we can, and help point you towards additional support if that would be useful.
Here when you need us.
Your pet is family, and you do not have to navigate grief alone. If you would like to talk or find more information, we're here to help however we can.