Each pet owner and family
member handles pet loss in his or her own way.

Children

• Give the child permission to go through the stages of grief.
• Tell their teacher about the pet’s death.
• Encourage the child to talk freely about the pet.
• Give the child hugs and reassurance.
• Discuss death, dying and grief honestly.
• Include the child in everything going on.
• Explain the permanency of death.

Other pets

• Keep surviving pets’ routines as normal as possible.
• Try not to unintentionally reinforce behavioral changes.
• If the pet’s appetite is picky, don’t keep changing its food,
  which will make it more finicky.
• Don’t overcompensate for the loss with extra attention to the
  surviving pet, which could lead to separation anxiety.
• Don’t rush out and get a new pet to help with the grieving
  process. Wait until the pet and the family is ready.

Healing

• Give yourself permission to grieve. Memorialize your pet.
• Surround yourself with people who understand your loss.
• Accept feelings that come with grief.
• Indulge yourself in small pleasures.
• Don’t be afraid to get help.
• Call your veterinarian for advice.