This article was co-authored by Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers.
There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 23,829 times.
Losing a pet of any kind is nothing short of devastating—it may feel like your world is ending, and the tears may never seem to stop. How can you ever feel okay again when you’ve lost such an irreplaceable part of your life? More than anything else, it’s important to remember that your feelings are valid. Pets are like members of the family, and it’s understandable (and completely normal) to grieve for them in the same way, too. We’re here to support you during this incredibly difficult time by sharing what you can potentially expect during the grieving process, and, most importantly, how you can start to heal while still honoring your precious pet.
Things You Should Know
- Losing a pet is a deeply sad and upsetting experience. Crying and mourning for your beloved friend is completely valid and normal.
- Take around 8-10 deep breaths if you’d like to give yourself a break from crying. Distracting yourself by shifting your focus can also be helpful.
- Give yourself the time and space to feel your emotions, and share how you’re feeling with a trusted friend or loved one if you need it.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
-
Need someone to talk to? Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine manages a pet loss support hotline on Monday through Friday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST, as well as on the weekends from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST. You can reach them at: (607) 218-7457.[22]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-losing-a-pet.htm
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truisms-of-wellness/201608/why-losing-a-pet-hurts-so-much
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-losing-a-pet.htm
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/complicated-grief/symptoms-causes/syc-20360374
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/grieving-the-loss-of-a-pet/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-losing-a-pet.htm
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-attachment/201702/7-self-care-essentials-while-grieving-the-death-of-a-pet
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/how-to-relieve-stress-for-bedtime
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/grief-and-bereavement---loss-of-a-pet
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-losing-a-pet.htm
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/grief-and-bereavement---loss-of-a-pet
- ↑ https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/grief_support_center/grief_support_home.htm
- ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/grief-and-bereavement---loss-of-a-pet
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-attachment/201702/7-self-care-essentials-while-grieving-the-death-of-a-pet
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-stop-crying#breathe
- ↑ https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/try-these-simple-breathing-exercises-to-calm-yourself-down
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-stop-crying#refocus
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/how-to-stop-crying#ground-yourself
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-crying-good-for-you-2021030122020
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33881389/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truisms-of-wellness/201608/why-losing-a-pet-hurts-so-much
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/impact/community-impact/pet-loss-support-hotline