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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.

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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*

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For many, pets are the one constant source of love and comfort

Andy Hawkins, Pet Bereavement Therapist

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.

Facing the end

Advice on how to make the kindest choices when the end is near – from recognising signs to knowing what to expect.

How to support someone through pet loss

Tips and ideas for supporting friends, family, children or colleagues through the loss of a beloved pet.

Do pets grieve?

Understand how pets grieve – and how you can comfort and support them when a companion dies.

Pet Grief Survey results

Our national survey reveals the hidden toll of pet loss. Read the results here.

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