Allow yourself to grieve
The first and most important thing to do when dealing with the loss of a pet is to allow yourself to grieve. It's perfectly normal to feel sadness, anger, and even guilt after your pet has passed away. You may feel like you should have done more or been there for your pet in their final moments - it’s important to remember these feelings are all a part of the grieving process, and it’s okay to feel them.
Take time to remember your pet
Take some time to remember your pet and all the happy memories you shared with them. Look through old photos and videos of your pet and reminisce about all the fun times you had together. You could also create a scrapbook or memory box filled with mementos of your pet, such as their favourite toy, collar or a lock of their hair. This can help you feel like your pet is still with you in some way.
Reach out for support
It can be helpful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. Reach out to friends or family members who have also experienced the loss of a pet. They may be able to offer some comfort or share their own experiences with you. You could also consider joining a pet loss support group or speaking with a therapist who specialises in grief and loss.
Take care of yourself
Dealing with the loss of a pet can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. It’s important to take care of yourself during this difficult time. It’s a good idea to focus on eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly and getting plenty of rest. Taking care of yourself will help you feel more resilient and better able to cope with the loss.
Consider adopting another pet
When the time is right, you may want to consider adopting another pet. This can be a great way to honour the memory of your pet and provide a new home for an animal in need. It’s important to give yourself time to grieve before adopting another pet, as getting a new pet too soon may not allow you to properly process your emotions.
Losing a pet can be one of the most difficult experiences we can face. Remember that it’s okay to feel sad and important to take the time you need to process your emotions. Your pet will always hold a special place in your heart, and their memory will live on through the love and happiness they brought to your life. We're also here to help you farewell your pet. Our cremation and memorial team will treat your pet with the dignity, care and respect they deserve as well as honour their life with a range of urns and keepsakes. You'll also bring hope to thousands of vulnerable cats and dogs, with 100% of proceeds funding AWL's work bringing pets together with caring owners to create happy homes.
