Pet bereavement toolkit

Losing a pet feels like losing a family member – yet many feel their grief is dismissed. This toolkit offers support, expert guidance, and real-life stories to help you navigate the pain of pet loss and honour the bond you shared.

Explore our toolkit

A brown dog wearing a yellow and red collar looking up at it's owner.

Not Just A Pet

Over 99% of us see our pets as family, best friends or companions.

But when pets die, our grief is often dismissed.

Through our national Pet Grief Surveys, we've asked more than 4,000 people to share how they felt after losing a pet. Their answers paint a clear picture: pet grief is real – yet many keep their pain to themselves.

Fewer than 1 in 10 people feel that pet grief is taken as seriously as it should be. Too many suffer in silence – told it’s “just a pet”, which only makes the pain harder to bear.

This toolkit is here to change that. Because pet grief is real, and it matters.

Text reads that over 99% of us see our pets as family, best friends or companions.

For many, pets are the one constant source of love and comfort.

Andy Hawkins, Pet Bereavement Therapist

57%

felt they had to hide their grief*

58%

believe stigma exists*

87%

didn’t feel understood*

Pet grief support

How to cope with pet loss

Struggling after pet loss? Find expert support, coping tips and advice on how to talk about your loss with others.

Get support with pet loss

A man and a young boy sit on a blanket in a park, feeding a treat to their fluffy dog.

Children and pet loss

Explore expert advice on supporting children, answering difficult questions and looking after yourself.

Facing the end

Advice on how to make the kindest choices when the end is near – from recognising signs to knowing what to expect.

How to support someone through pet loss

Tips and ideas for supporting friends and family through the loss of a beloved pet.

Do pets grieve?

Understand how pets grieve – and how you can comfort and support them when a companion dies.

A man kneels in a blooming garden to look fondly at his brown dog, who sits patiently facing him.

Pet loss at work

Pet loss can affect every part of life, including your job. Find practical advice on navigating conversations, managing grief and feeling understood in the workplace.