Healing After Pet Loss: 10 Ways to Care for Your Heart

Dr. Zeke Zekoff
Apr 3
3 min read

Healing After Pet Loss: 10 Ways to Care for Your Heart

Losing a beloved pet is one of the most emotionally painful experiences a person can go through. For many of us, pets are family—our companions, confidants, and comfort during both joyful and difficult times. When they pass, it can feel like a piece of us is missing. Grief is natural, and acknowledging that grief is the first step toward healing.

Here are 10 compassionate, expert-backed ways to support yourself after saying goodbye to a cherished animal companion.

1. Allow Yourself Time to Grieve

There’s no deadline for grief. Pets may have been part of your life for years, and their absence is deeply felt. Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay. Grief often comes in waves—triggered by memories, anniversaries, or even other people’s losses. Don’t rush the process. Your healing will unfold in its own time.

2. Don’t Suppress Your Sadness

Grief needs to be felt. Cry, talk it out, or write down your thoughts. Avoiding the pain only delays healing. Expressing your emotions helps release them and is a powerful step in processing loss.

3. It’s Okay to Feel Guilty

Many pet owners carry guilt after a pet’s death—questioning if they could have done more. But the truth is, guilt is a natural byproduct of love and responsibility. Remind yourself that you did the best you could, and that your pet felt that love every day.

4. Seek the Right Support

Not everyone will understand the depth of your loss. You may hear insensitive comments like “It was just a dog” or “You can get another cat.” If friends or family aren’t providing the support you need, look for pet loss support groups, hotlines, or counselors who specialize in grief.

Resources include:

ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: 877-474-3310
Cornell Pet Loss Support: 607-253-3932
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: www.aplb.org

5. Journal or Create a Tribute

Writing about your pet, compiling photos, or creating a scrapbook helps you process memories and preserve the bond. Some people find healing in writing letters to their pet or making art that captures their personality.

6. Hold a Farewell Ceremony

A small memorial or ritual—whether a backyard burial, lighting a candle, or a gathering with loved ones—can help bring closure and give you a chance to honor your pet’s life.

7. Establish a Memorial

Whether it’s a photo on the mantel, a garden stone, or a tree planted in their honor, having a designated space to remember your pet can bring comfort and keep their memory close.

8. Let Yourself Move Forward

Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It’s okay to pack away mementos when they become too painful, and it’s okay to smile when you remember the good times. Moving forward is not disloyalty—it’s a sign of growth and healing.

9. Volunteer at a Shelter

If and when you’re ready, giving your time to animals in need can be therapeutic. Sharing love with other pets doesn’t erase your loss—it honors it.

10. Don’t Rush Into Getting a New Pet

Every pet is unique. Wait until you’re emotionally ready before opening your home to a new companion. When you do, consider adopting a pet with a different look or breed to avoid comparisons and allow new connections to form naturally.

Final Thoughts

Grief is the price we pay for love—and when it comes to our pets, that love runs deep. There’s no “right” way to mourn, but by taking intentional steps to express your emotions and honor your pet’s memory, healing becomes possible.

Be patient with yourself. And remember, your bond with your pet doesn’t end—it changes form, living on in your heart.