Pet bereavement toolkit
Losing a pet feels like losing a family member – yet many feel their grief is often overlooked. This toolkit offers support, expert guidance, and real-life stories to help you navigate the pain of pet loss and honour the bond you shared.
Not ‘just a pet’
Over 99% of us see our pets as family, best friends or companions. But when pets die, our grief is often dismissed.
In our 2025 Pet Grief Survey, we asked over 2,800 people to share how they felt after losing a pet. Their answers paint a clear picture: pet grief is real - yet many keep their pain to themselves.
Fewer than 1 in 10 people feel that pet grief is taken as seriously as it should be. Too many suffer in silence - told it’s “just a pet,” which only makes the pain harder to bear.
This toolkit is here to change that. Because pet grief is real, and deserves to be seen, supported and spoken about.
Over 99% of us see our pets as family, best friends or companions*
For many, pets are the one constant source of love and comfort
57%
felt they had to hide their grief*
58%
believe stigma exists*
87%
didn’t feel understood*
Toolkit contents
How to cope with pet loss
Struggling after pet loss? Find expert support, coping tips and advice on how to talk about your loss with others.
Grieving a dog – Ebony’s story
From a sudden goodbye to quiet moments of grief, Susan shares the story of Ebony, her beloved Labrador.
Grieving a cat – Nelson’s story
Sakura reflects on life with her beloved cat Nelson and how her family found ways to heal and honour his place in their story.
*Based on the results of the RSPCA Pet Grief Survey 2025