Helping a Child to Cope with the Loss of a Pet

At Pets Remembered, we are constantly reminded of how important it is to include a child in the mourning process, allowing them to openly express their grief with the reassurance that sadness is a perfectly normal response at times of loss. A personalised pet memorial in the form of a plaque or a headstone helps a child to appreciate how all living beings deserve respect, not simply during their lifetime but also in their passing. Writing a few words or a short poem to be included in the pet casket can assist in the grieving process, followed by an appropriate ceremony at the time of burial with friends and other members of the family.  

The loss of a pet can be devastating for a child, resulting in a mixture of strong emotions, such as confusion, anger, guilt, and a feeling of deep sadness. This may be their first bereavement and helping them to cope by providing emotional support is crucial. Depending on their age and level of maturity, a child may not fully understand the permanence of death, but in avoiding the truth by suggesting the pet has simply gone away can result in the child believing that they did something to make them leave, or they weren't loved enough. There would also be the expectation that their beloved pet may return one day. 

We rarely forget the name of our first pet, whether this was a small hamster or the close companionship of a dog or a cat. Size doesn't diminish the level of love or the sense of loss when the pet is no longer a part of our lives. Often a child will have played an important part in caring for them as a true friend and a well-loved member of the family. 

Sharing the memorialising of pet can be an important step towards accepting that although they are no longer physically present, they constantly remain in our hearts. 

 'If you can remember me, I will be with you always.” 

― Isabel Allende, Eva Luna