Yes, it is completely normal to grieve a pet. The loss of a beloved animal companion is a genuine, recognised form of bereavement. Grief counsellors, psychologists and veterinary professionals all acknowledge that losing a pet can be as painful — sometimes more so — than losing a human loved one. If you are devastated by the death of your dog, cat, rabbit or any other animal you shared your life with, that is not an overreaction. It is love.
Why Does Pet Loss Hurt So Much?
Pets are woven into the fabric of our daily lives in a way that is quite unlike any other relationship. They are there when we wake up. They greet us at the door. They are the ones who never judge us, never have a bad day at our expense and never ask anything of us beyond our time and affection.
When that presence disappears, the silence it leaves behind is enormous. Every routine that once centred around your pet — the morning walk, the evening feed, the shape on the end of the bed — suddenly becomes a reminder of absence. That kind of grief is real, and it deserves to be treated as such.
Why People Sometimes Feel They Cannot Grieve Openly
One of the hardest parts of losing a pet is the lack of social permission to grieve. When a person loses a human family member, there are rituals and structures to help — funerals, time off work, sympathy cards, visits from friends. When you lose a pet, the world largely carries on as normal, and people who have never experienced the bond may not fully understand.
You might hear things like "it was only a dog" or "you can always get another one." These words, however well-meaning, can make a grieving pet owner feel that their pain is somehow lesser or embarrassing. It is not. The bond between a person and their pet is one of the most uncomplicated forms of love that exists, and the end of that bond deserves proper mourning.
What Does Pet Grief Look Like?
Sadness and crying — often in waves, triggered by ordinary moments like reaching for a lead that is no longer needed, or hearing a sound that used to bring your pet running.
Guilt — particularly if your pet was put to sleep. Many pet owners carry a heavy burden of "did I do the right thing." These thoughts are almost universal, and in most cases, entirely unwarranted. You made the most loving decision you could with the information you had.
Anger — sometimes directed at vets, at circumstances, or at the unfairness of a life so short. This is a normal part of grief.
Loneliness — especially for those who lived alone with their pet, or whose pet was their primary daily companion.
Physical symptoms — disrupted sleep, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating. Grief is not only emotional; it has real physical effects on the body.
How Long Does Pet Grief Last?
There is no timeline for grief. Some people find their acute sadness begins to ease within a few weeks. For others, the grief can be deep and lasting. Anniversaries, seasons and specific places can bring it back unexpectedly, even years later. What matters is not how quickly you recover, but that you allow yourself to process the loss honestly rather than suppressing it.
What Can Help?
Allow yourself to feel it. Suppressing grief does not make it go away. Give yourself permission to be sad.
Talk about your pet. Share their stories. Tell people what they were like, what made them funny or maddening or irreplaceable. Keeping their memory alive through words is one of the most natural ways to grieve.
Create a tribute. Many people find comfort in having a permanent space where their pet's life is honoured. Rest Easy Friend was created precisely for this — a calm, permanent space where you can share your pet's story, photos and memories, and where others who loved them can visit and reflect.
Connect with others who understand. Pet bereavement communities exist both online and in person. Being around people who truly understand the depth of the loss can be enormously comforting.
Seek professional support if needed. If your grief is significantly affecting your daily life, sleep, or ability to function, speaking with a grief counsellor or therapist is a completely valid step.
A Final Word
If you are reading this because you have just lost a pet and are wondering whether what you are feeling is normal — it is. Every bit of it. Your grief is a measure of your love, and your pet was lucky to be loved so deeply.
Written by Mick Hanly, founder of Rest Easy Friend
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