How to deal with pet grief?

By Leigha
- March 9, 2026
- 2 MIN READ

Table of Contents

Looking after yourself at this time

Remind yourself

Chat to those who want to listen

Firstly, you have our deepest condolences from everyone here at Itch. Losing a pet is never easy and we are here if you ever need any support - even if it's just for a chat to keep your mind off things, or if you feel like reminiscing - we will always be happy to hear their story. You can get in touch with us here.

Looking after yourself at this time

Self-care is so important when you’re grieving. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve - it’s an incredibly personal journey, and different for every pet parent with the loss of every pet.

Some of the following might help...

Let it out. Don't bottle up your emotions.
Never, ever feel guilty for how you're feeling.
Try to get enough rest.
If you can, try to eat well and keep yourself nourished.
Do whatever feels right for you in the moment.
Take things one day at a time.

Remind yourself

The pain is very real and should not be made to feel insignificant by anyone. Pets are a member of the family, regardless of what anyone says. Take all the time you need to grieve initially, look back on all the happy memories you had together, rather than final moments (if your pet was suffering). Grief finds strange ways to creep up on you sometimes at random times, and it is important to allow yourself to feel those emotions.

Please find comfort in knowing you gave them a life filled with lots of love and happy memories. Their death is not your fault. And it’s important to get plenty of rest during this period. Exhaustion can have negative effects on mental health in the long run and potentially heighten emotions during this difficult time.

Chat to those who want to listen

If you are feeling alone or would like to chat to somebody who will care and give expert help, we’ve listed some support networks and helplines below. Everyone deserves to be supported and heard after bereavement, your loss is just as important as someone else’s.

Support networks & charities

Click on a service to find their details and how to get in touch.

Animal Samaritans Pet Bereavement Service

www.animalsamaritans.org.uk
0800 096 6606
A confidential ear for those dealing with the loss, separation, or theft of a beloved pet.
Cats Protection Paws

0800 024 9494
www.cats.org.uk/grief
To listen and provide grief support - Confidential phone line providing emotional and practical support to owners experiencing the loss of a cat. While the volunteer listeners do not offer counselling, the team provides a supportive ear to callers struggling to cope with cat-related grief as well as providing information about topics such as euthanasia, burial and cremation.
PDSA

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/how-to-cope-with-the-loss-of-a-pet
Advice for dealing with grief and the loss of a pet.
Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss
Email [email protected] and they will reply within 48 hours.

Here to help you.

Our Vet Team are professionally qualified in veterinary medicines advice and they're here to help. Led by Dr Zoe Costigan, we're no nonsense and knowledgeable experts! Nothing makes us happier than helping you. We're on the usual socials @itchpet, so slide into our DM's, drop us an email or hop on the phone.

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How to deal with pet grief?

Looking after yourself at this time

Remind yourself

Chat to those who want to listen

Support networks & charities

Here to help you.