Dealing with pet loss

A family's experience of pet loss

Losing a pet can be heartbreaking, and for children it's often their first experience of grief. Chris shares how he and his partner helped their two children, Erin, age 8, and Hazel, age 4, cope with the loss of their beloved family pet – their RSPCA rescue cat, Betsi.



Watch his family's story as Chris reflects on a lifetime of love, Betsi’s final moments, supporting his children through grief, and how Betsi’s memory continues to be part of their lives today.

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No family picture for them is complete without Betsi being in it, and I don't think it ever will be.

Chris, remembering his family cat Betsi

More pet bereavement resources

If you are also suffering with pet loss, our pet bereavement resources may help you through this difficult time.

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

Children and pet loss

Losing a pet is often a child's first experience of grief. Discover expert guidance to help you support them with honesty and compassion.
A man kneels in a blooming garden to look fondly at his brown dog, who sits patiently facing him.

Pet loss at work

Get ideas on how to talk to your employer or support a colleague, with practical advice for navigating grief in the workplace.

You're not alone

Read heartfelt words from people who've experienced pet loss, and discover the comfort of knowing your grief, love and memories are shared.