Where To Go From Here

Losing a pet can inspire a grief previously unknown to a child, and you will have to help navigate the unknown waters ahead. Many parents feel an instinct to shield a child from death and the grief that follows. But it’s important that your child work his or her way through to the other side, especially with you as a guide.

Remaining honest about your pet’s health and final moments, and helping your child to understand death as a concept, ultimately leads toward acceptance and moving on.

Remember:

  • Stick to the basic truths of your pet’s death; offer an age-appropriate description and try not to sugarcoat anything or euphemize the situation
  • Each individual feels grief differently; allow your child to express feelings openly without judgment – even if the feelings don’t come right away
  • Don’t hide your own sadness; let your child see how you are truly feeling and that it’s OK to grieve
  • Kids tend to blame themselves; reassure your child that the family pet’s death wasn’t even remotely their fault
  • If you made the difficult decision to euthanize, help your child understand euthanasia, and openly discuss why it’s the choice for your pet
  • Try your best to answer all (and there will likely be many) of your child’s questions about death, and what you believe happens when animals or people die
  • Let your child’s teacher or activity leader know what your child is dealing with, and ask for their understanding and support
  • Help Your child work through this activity book
  • Check out any number of helpful books from your local library
  • Do not rush out and adopt a replacement pet; helping your child cope with pet loss involves time and patience

There are resources available to help your child cope with pet loss, and it may be worthwhile for you to seek help from local professional counselors or support groups. Check out our Pet Loss Library for additional links.

Honoring Your Pet

In addition to your at-home remembrances, your child could light a virtual candle for your pet, pick a paw on our pet wall, and write (with your help) a pet memorial to remember all the wonderful ways your pet touched your lives. Also:

  • Holding a memorial or funeral may help your child cope with pet loss; allow your child to properly say goodbye
  • Sharing your favorite stories about Fluffy or Fido can be a great way to remember the good times
  • Framing a photograph, drawing, or painting of your pet, and hanging it where you’ll see it regularly, will keep your pet’s memory alive
  • Create a plaster cast of your pet’s paw print, and allowing your child to keep it close, or to choose the best place for it

How To Help A Child With Pet Loss

Kids are amazingly resilient, but the death of the family pet can often be the first experience with this immutable law of nature. Chances are, your child had very strong ties to your pet, and the way he or she mourns may differ from you or other members of the family.

Please let us know how we can support you and your family during this tumultuous time; we are here for you!