Understanding Pet Loss & Grief
Educational resources to help you understand the grief process, navigate anticipatory loss, cope with the pain, and support children through pet loss.
Understanding Pet Loss & Grief and Ways to Cope
Pet loss grief; the pain explained | Sarah Hoggan DVM | Video
Why the pain of pet loss is different and valid
Disenfranchised Loss and Grief: Pet Loss
UC Denver article on the unique nature of pet loss grief
Why Losing a Pet Hurts So Much
Understanding why pet grief stages are just as valid
Pet Loss Grief is Very Real. What It Is & How to Cope
Understanding and coping with pet loss grief
Self-Care While Grieving
Coping with Pet Loss: A Self-Care Guide
A compassionate guide with self-care tips, facts about grief, and practices for healing — created by the Ethos Veterinary Social Work Team
7 Self-Care Essentials While Grieving
Essential self-care strategies from Psychology Today
Grieving the loss of a pet: Tapping Meditation | Video
10-Minute Guided Meditation | Grieving the Loss of a Pet | Video
Book Recommendations
Podcasts
Preparing for Goodbye: Emotional Support Before Pet Loss
Facing the possible or impending loss of a beloved pet is one of the most painful experiences a pet family can endure. Anticipatory grief — the grief that begins before a loss occurs — is real, valid, and deserves compassionate support. These resources offer guidance for navigating end-of-life decisions, understanding euthanasia, and finding peace during this tender time.
Anticipatory Grief in Pet Owners
Understanding caregiver burden and communication during end-of-life
A Guide to Pet Euthanasia and Grief
Making informed decisions about aftercare for a peaceful transition
Anticipatory Support Group (Fee Applies)
Online support group for those preparing for the loss of a pet
Understanding Euthanasia - Small Door Veterinary
Guidance on evaluating your pet's quality of life and understanding euthanasia
Quality of Life Assessment Guide
Pet Quality of Life Assessment | Printable
Ethos tool to assess your pet's daily wellbeing across key categories — printable guide
Family Concerns Assessment | Printable
Ethos tool to reflect on emotional, financial, and practical family concerns — printable guide
CodaPet — Quality of Life Scale (Online Assessment)
Interactive online quality of life assessment tool for pets
How Will I Know? — OSU Veterinary Medical Center
Guide to help pet owners recognize signs that a pet's quality of life is declining
Supporting Children and Teens Through Pet Loss
Children and teenagers experience grief deeply, yet often lack the words or tools to process it. Losing a pet may be a child's first encounter with death — and how we guide them through it matters. These resources offer age-appropriate language, honest conversations, and compassionate support to help young ones grieve with care.
When You Lose Your Best Friend — Children's Grief Workbook
An interactive workbook for kids about grieving the loss of a pet, written by Jenna Luzier, LGSW
Talking to Children About the Death of a Beloved Pet | Video
A real conversation for families about pet death
Age-by-Age Guide to Explaining Pet Death
Family Education guide for different age groups
How to Talk with Children About Pet Loss
Guidance from Humane Society of Huron Valley
Helping Your Teen Cope with the Death of a Pet
Guidance for supporting teenagers through pet loss grief
I Miss My Pet: A Workbook for Children About Pet Loss | Printable
A printable activity workbook to help children process the loss of their pet
