Losing a pet is a difficult and painful experience for anyone, but it can be especially hard for young children to understand and cope with. Support from their loved ones is key in helping children navigate through this challenging experience. 

  

Be honest 

Depending on their age and the unique emotional makeup of the child, they may struggle to grasp the concept. Each child processes loss differently, so be prepared to address lots of questions and any concerns they may have. Being honest with a child about their pet’s death is hard but is key to building trust and helping them understand the situation. Use age-appropriate language to help them understand that their pet has passed away and will not be coming back. It will allow them to process these tough emotions and start the grieving process. As hard as this experience is, being honest about death helps children learn about an important part of life and lays down the foundations for how children will manage loss throughout their lives. 

 

Create a supportive environment 

While your child is grieving the loss of their pet, it can be helpful to maintain a sense of safety and routine in other areas of their life as they adjust. Spend time with the family or friends you usually would, stick to routines that they know and enjoy, like reading before bed, and offer physical affection. These familiar activities and gestures of love can offer comfort and stability during this difficult time. 

 

Encourage emotional expression 

It’s important to allow your child to express themselves and encourage open dialogue so they feel comfortable communicating how they feel. Offer them creative outlets like drawing, writing, or storytelling, where they can process and express how they’re feeling in a safe environment. Books can be a useful tool in helping children understand their own emotions too – we'll leave information on books about pet loss in the resources below. Try to model your own healthy coping strategies. You could start a conversation about how you’re feeling about the loss, encouraging your child to open up about their own emotions. When they open up, listen carefully and validate their emotions. 

  

Honour the memory of their pet 

Talk to your child about the pet, maybe ask them about a happy memory or their favorite thing about them. If they’re comfortable, you could offer ideas for creating some sort of memorial – maybe you could plant a tree, make a scrapbook, or hold a small ceremony for them. 

While the grieving process is especially hard for a child, the patience, empathy, and love of their loved ones will help them cope and adjust to life without their beloved pet. 

  

Extra resources 

• More Than | We won’t forget our furry friend – free book download: https://static.rsagroup.com/more-than/Pet/we-wont-forget-our-furry-friend.pdf  

• The Rainbow Bridge: A Visit to Pet Paradise, Adrian Raeside 

• The Invisible Leash: A Story Celebrating Love After the Loss of a Pet, Patrice Karst 

• The Hare-Shaped Hole, John Dougherty