What to Do When Someone Loses a Pet

Losing a pet is the worst. Those little creatures we call our best friends have a special place in our hearts. When they pass, it’s hard. As a friend or family member of someone who lost a pet, it’s important to be there for them. Many people grieve the same way as they do when losing a person in their lives. So, it’s not a situation to simply scoff at.

In this article, we’re going to cover what to do when someone you know loses a pet. Everyone has to go through the cycles of grief on their own, but there’s nothing like having a friend with a shoulder to lean on.

Things to do When Someone Loses a Pet

Reach out

First things first, reach out to your friend who lost their pet. Everyone deals with the loss differently, and some people may not be in the mood to talk. However, it’s important to let them know that you have them in your thoughts. If the person isn’t responding, send a short message every couple of days.

Plan a Memorial Service

Having a memorial service for a pet is a wonderful way to commemorate them and bring closure to their owner. Services for pets can be lighthearted and informal. You could plan a small private event, where you make a slideshow of pictures and videos of the pet, or plan a small get-together with friends. Ask the person who lost their pet what type of memorial service they’d like to have and start planning!

Plan a Trip/Getaway

Sometimes the best way to get over the loss of a pet is to get away from your normal life. Plan a weekend getaway where the owner can destress and clear their mind. It can be painful to be stuck in the house where their pet ran and played and slept, so getting out of the house can be greatly beneficial. Of course, if the person isn’t ready to leave, plan the trip for a few weeks or months in the future; it’ll give them something to look forward to.

Send a Sympathy Card

Little gestures can go a long way. Sending a sympathy card to someone who recently lost a pet is an excellent way to show your support. Even if you have already seen and talked to the person, it’s a kind gesture that might help turn a bad day into a good day. Pick out a nice card, write a loving message, and send it off!

Be Available

The most important thing you can do is be available. Of course, you can’t postpone your own life to help someone grieve, but make sacrifices when you can. When the person who lost a pet calls and asks if you can keep them company, do it! If you’re unable to, try to spend a few minutes on the phone checking in on them and make plans to meet as soon as you’re available.

What Not to Do

As important as it is to be there showing support, it’s equally as important to avoid doing a few key things. So, let’s check out what not to do when someone loses a pet.

Pretend it Didn’t Happen

Dealing with loss of any kind can be challenging, but that’s not a reason to avoid talking about it. When you know someone who lost a pet, don’t pretend like it didn’t happen. Often times people who are grieving have a difficult time reaching out to people for a shoulder to lean on, and avoiding the subject can worsen their grieving.

Invalidate Feelings

Some people become more attached to pets than others. Just because someone is grieving over an animal doesn’t mean their feelings are justified. Be careful not to invalidate them. You could emotionally hurt the person and damage your relationship with them.

Being Distant

Now is not the time to leave your friend or family member hanging. Don’t avoid messages or calls when they reach out. Be available and act the way you would hope someone would treat you if you were grieving.

Final Thoughts

Watching a friend or family member lose a pet is a difficult thing. There’s nothing you can do or say to bring back their animal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ease the pain. Be a shoulder to lean on and do everything you can to make the situation easier, like planning a memorial service, scheduling a trip, sending a sympathy card, or simply reaching out. The person will surely remember your kind gestures and appreciate your support.