Saying Goodbye to a Cherished Pet...
The loss of a family pet may be the first and most traumatic event in a child's life. Children often view a pet as a loved family member and therefore, the death of that pet will mean a great deal to them. Children need support and guidance to understand and grieve their loss.
How Parents & Other Adults Can Help Children with the Loss of a Pet
Families can provide a loving and understanding environment for children to learn that life consists of change and growth. How the family handles the loss of a pet will remain with the child for the rest of his or her life. Families can help by showing children it is okay to react and grieve together over the loss of a family pet. Ways to help include*:
The loss of a family pet may be the first and most traumatic event in a child's life. Children often view a pet as a loved family member and therefore, the death of that pet will mean a great deal to them. Children need support and guidance to understand and grieve their loss.
How Parents & Other Adults Can Help Children with the Loss of a Pet
Families can provide a loving and understanding environment for children to learn that life consists of change and growth. How the family handles the loss of a pet will remain with the child for the rest of his or her life. Families can help by showing children it is okay to react and grieve together over the loss of a family pet. Ways to help include*:
- Talking with your child and allowing them to express tears, feelings, and concerns.
- Encourage children to draw pictures of their pet and share what those pictures mean to them.
- Encourage children to create "keepsakes" of something their pet loved such as a collar, tag, or favorite toy.
- Listen, offer praise, and provide reassurance for your child's feelings or reactions.
- Help children make a scrapbook of favorite pictures or a "Memory Page" from our book or website.
- Children can write a letter to their pet.
- Children can help organize a Memorial Service for their pet.
Sharing family memories can create joy or sadness, but it will also help the child to understand they are not alone in their feelings of grief. For more information about the loss of a pet, or access to bereavement counselors, go to:
When Your Pet Dies: A Healing Handbook for Kids by Victoria Ryan
When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering, and Healing by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies by Dr. Wallace Sife
* Consider the child's age and maturity to determine which activity would be most appropriate.
- The Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement: www.aplb.org
When Your Pet Dies: A Healing Handbook for Kids by Victoria Ryan
When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering, and Healing by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies by Dr. Wallace Sife
* Consider the child's age and maturity to determine which activity would be most appropriate.