The 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey showed that approximately 90.5 million families in the United States own at least one pet. The figure comprises roughly 70 percent of households, higher than the 56 percent registered back in 1988 when this survey was first launched. Similarly, the current result is higher than the 67 percent of US households two years ago.
The loss of a beloved pet can be a challenging experience for a family. Pets are part of families, and when they pass away, they can leave the family feeling overwhelmed with sadness, confusion, and grief. It’s essential to recognize that grieving for a pet is OK, and giving yourself and your family the space to do so is important. Here are some tips on how you can help your family cope with the loss of a pet.
Acknowledge Feelings
It’s normal to feel sad or angry when you lose a pet. Don’t try to suppress these feelings; acknowledge them and talk about them with your family members. Talking openly about your feelings can help everyone in the family process their emotions healthily.
It is also helpful to find outlets like writing or drawing that allow people to express their feelings creatively. If needed, seek professional help from a therapist or grief counselor to help you process your emotions.
When you acknowledge your feelings, you can begin to work through them and eventually accept the loss of your pet. That doesn’t mean you will forget, but it will help you move forward.
Honor Your Pet’s Memory
Creating something tangible to remember your pet can be incredibly cathartic for you and your family members. This could include taking photos, creating scrapbooks, doing art projects, or writing stories about what made your pet special. You may even want to consider getting a memorial plaque for your pet as another way to honor their memory.
You can also honor your pet by performing volunteer work in their name. Consider donating money, volunteering at a local animal shelter, or taking part in a 5K run/walk to benefit an animal rescue group. You can also join forces with other pet owners to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership.
You can also preserve your pet by bringing the remains to a reputable taxidermist. The professional can preserve the pet’s body so the family can bring it home. This can be a great way for kids to remember their beloved pet and have an ongoing reminder of the love and memories.
Finally, you can use your experience of losing a beloved pet as an opportunity to educate others about the importance of proper veterinary care, pet safety, and animal welfare. Share your story with friends and family members who are also pet owners. You can also reach out to children in your community who may be interested in learning more about the joys of owning a pet. You can help ensure that other animals have a chance at a happy, healthy future.
Seek Comfort from Others
Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family members is essential during this time of grief and healing. Reach out and talk about how you’re feeling—you’d be surprised how much talking through things can help! If possible, find other families who have gone through similar experiences that you can relate to.
Connecting over shared stories of loss will help bring comfort during this difficult time. It would help if you also got involved in your local community and find ways to help others. Making a difference during a time of sorrow can bring you comfort.
No matter what you’re going through, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. The love and support of friends and family are integral to the healing process. If you don’t feel like talking, find ways to express your feelings through art or music.
Art or music may bring a sense of relief and comfort. Additionally, remember that there is no “right” way to grieve—everyone processes differently and in their way. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself—take things one day at a time.
Losing a beloved pet is an emotionally difficult experience for any family member. It’s essential not only to recognize but also to take the time necessary to process those feelings—for both adults and children alike—in whatever way works best for them. Try talking openly about emotions and finding creative outlets like art projects or writing stories that celebrate the life of your pet. It might also be helpful to reach out for support from other people who have gone through similar experiences. You can also honor their memory with concrete items like memorial plaques or scrapbooks that document all of the great memories spent together over the years. With these tips in mind, hopefully, this difficult period will be more bearable for everyone during this time of mourning and remembrance.
