Coping with the sudden or unexpected loss of your pet

Our dogs, cats, and horses become treasured members of our families – so, losing them is utterly devastating, no-matter how or when that happens. However, in the event a loved one is lost suddenly or unexpectedly, the shock and trauma of it can affect how we process our grief.

Most of us, here at Animal Friends, have endured the loss of beloved dogs, cats, and horses, which is why we want to support you through sudden or unexpected loss.

If your mental health is suffering due to the sudden or unexpected loss of your dog, cat, or horse, please reach out to a reputable organisation for support. 

Examples of organisations you can contact for bereavement support include Blue Cross Pet Loss Support Service and Samaritans.

Acknowledge how you’re feeling

The reason for your loved one’s passing could release powerful emotions that can have an impact on how you deal with your feelings about losing your dog, cat, or horse. 

From guilt and anger to sadness and confusion, the flurry of feelings you might experience following a sudden or unexpected loss can replicate the ups and downs of a rollercoaster.

Before allowing strong emotions to control your life in the wake of losing your much-loved pet, you need to acknowledge how you feel. By acknowledging how you feel, you’re taking an important step towards processing what’s happened, and you’ll be better able to keep all-consuming emotions under control. 

Communication is key when you’re overwhelmed by emotion, even though it may be extremely difficult to put into words the ways your pet’s sudden or unexpected loss impacts you. 

Speaking to a trusted friend or family member about what you’re going through might help to release some of the pressure of managing your emotional wellbeing alone. 

Don’t forget to take care of yourself

Although it can feel impossible to care about much at all in the aftermath of losing a loved one, basic self-care routines should still be followed every day.

Even when your mind is consumed by grief, your body doesn’t stop needing vital care to stay alive, including getting enough nourishment, water, and sleep.

It’s important to be kind to yourself, in the same way you’d treat a friend if they were going through something as awful as bereavement. For instance, you could set time aside for a daily walk in nature or consider taking up an active hobby (like cycling) to help keep your mind and body busy and healthy.

If you find yourself missing mealtimes or forgetting to drink enough water, put reminders on your phone to make sure you’re eating properly and staying hydrated.

Organise your pet’s belongings

Facing the task of organising your pet’s belongings after they’ve passed away can be upsetting; especially if their loss was sudden or unexpected. Though it’s important to note that there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to sort out your pet’s belongings; it’s important to ensure whatever happens is in your family’s best interests.

There are multiple options as to what you can do with your dog’s, cat’s, or horse’s belongings after they’ve sadly passed away, including:

• Leaving their belongings where they are for a short time, to allow yourself space to grieve before dealing with them.
• Asking a friend or family member to take your pet’s belongings away while you’re not there, to alleviate the risk of triggering distressing emotions if managing it by yourself.
• Finding a way to transform your dog’s, cat’s, or horse’s belongings into a keepsake of some sort, to remember them. 
• Contacting local rescue centres who may accept a donation of your pet’s belongings, as a way to give back to animals in need.

To access an array of advice articles and resources for free, please visit our Pet Bereavement Hub.