Coping with pet death can feel overwhelming. These resources offer comfort and guidance, helping you and your family through this difficult time.
Coping with the
Loss of a Pet
The bond we share with our pets makes saying goodbye feel overwhelming.
Each person grieves in their own way. Whether you’re facing a recent loss or preparing for the decision ahead, know that your feelings are valid. Below, you’ll find resources to support you and your family as you navigate this difficult time.
Grief Support Resources
Grief after losing a pet can feel just as heavy as losing any family member. Finding support when coping with pet death can make a meaningful difference.
When to Know It’s Time: Helpful Questionnaires
One of the hardest questions pet owners face is, “How do I know when it’s time?” These tools are designed to guide thoughtful and compassionate decisions.
Designed by veterinary experts, these scales help assess a pet’s comfort and well-being.
Ohio State Quality of Life Guide for Pets
A concise tool from Ohio State’s Veterinary Medical Center to assess your pet’s well-being. It lists key signs, decision questions, and a worksheet to track changes. Watch for red flags like unmanaged pain, severe breathing trouble, or inability to eat or drink.
These are designed to help you weigh good days versus difficult days.
Additional Pet Loss Support Options
Pet bereavement affects the entire family.
Children may need extra reassurance, while adults often seek community or memorials when coping with pet death.
Helpful options include:
Every family deserves access to compassionate end-of-life care that reflects their love and bond.
Support for Families and Children
At Eternal Embrace, we know pet loss affects the whole family. Dr. Amber Faul offers compassionate guidance, helping children and adults find comfort while dealing with pet bereavement.
If you need support or have questions about end-of-life care, please get in touch with Eternal Embrace to speak directly with Dr. Amber. She is here to help your family and your pet find peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Healthy ways of coping with pet death include allowing yourself to grieve, talking with supportive friends or family, creating a memorial, or joining a pet loss support group. Some people find comfort in journaling, artwork, or rituals that honor their pet’s memory.
You can access pet grief support resources through organizations such as the ASPCA Pet Loss Support, the Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement, or the Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Community. Many veterinary schools and the AVMA also offer guides and hotlines for coping with pet death.
Deciding when it’s time is one of the hardest choices a pet owner faces. Quality of Life questionnaires and decision-making tools can help assess your pet’s comfort, mobility, and happiness. Consulting with a veterinarian like Dr. Amber Faul can also provide clarity and compassionate guidance.
Yes. Children process grief differently from adults, and having age-appropriate resources can help. Keepsakes, open conversations, and children’s books about pet loss can provide comfort. Grief counselors who specialize in families can also help children express their emotions in healthy ways when coping with pet death.
Yes. Online groups for dealing with pet bereavement, such as those offered by the APLB or Rainbow Bridge, provide supportive communities where you can share memories and feelings if you’re coping with pet death. Many local veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and humane societies also host in-person pet loss support groups.
