Losing a beloved pet is truly heartbreaking.🐾

Most pet parents share an intense love and bond with their animal companions. A pet is not “just a dog,” “just a cat,” or "just an animal," but rather a beloved family member, bringing companionship to our lives. A pet can keep its owner active and social, help overcome life challenges, and even provide a sense of meaning or purpose. So, when a cherished pet dies, it’s normal to feel racked by grief and loss.

The pain of loss can often feel overwhelming and trigger all sorts of painful and difficult emotions. While some people may not understand the depth of feeling you have for your pet, you should never feel guilty or ashamed about grieving for an animal friend.

For some, the loss of a service animal is the loss of a companion and a coworker, independence, or emotional support. For pet parents who live alone, their pet may be the only constant day-to-day companion, and coming to terms with their loss can be even more challenging. And if a pet owner is unable to afford expensive veterinary treatment to prolong a pet’s life, there is a profound sense of guilt.

While experiencing loss is an inevitable part of owning a pet, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain, come to terms with your grief, and, when the time is right, perhaps even open your heart to another furry companion.

If you have lost a beloved pet and would like to memorialize their life, a beautiful way to keep their memory alive is by starting a fundraiser to help other pet parents with the cost of urgent veterinary care.

We can create a personalized donation page in loving memory of your loved one that you can share with your family and friends.