Your Guide to Healing After Losing a Pet

The bond we share with our pets is often one of the purest forms of love we experience. They are constant companions, loyal friends, and cherished members of our families. So when a beloved pet passes, the grief can feel just as deep and overwhelming as losing a human loved one. And yet, many people feel pressure to move on quickly or minimize their sorrow.

But pet loss is real loss. It deserves to be honored, expressed, and supported. Whether your pet was with you for a few months or many years, their absence can leave a profound emptiness. Grieving the loss of a pet takes time, tenderness, and support. From emotional validation to rituals of remembrance, there are many gentle ways to honor the love that remains.

Letting the Grief Be Real

The first step in healing is simply allowing your grief to exist. It’s common to feel sadness, guilt, or even anger after a pet passes. These feelings are natural responses to loss, and they don’t follow a linear timeline. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the emotional impact of losing a pet is often comparable to losing a close family member.

Give yourself permission to cry, talk about them, or spend quiet time remembering. Your grief is valid, no matter what others might say or how long it takes. You may feel their absence in your routines—feeding them, walking them, or simply having them greet you at the door. These small but significant voids can make the pain feel constant at first. It’s okay to slow down and let yourself move through it.

Speaking Their Name Matters

Sharing your grief with others can be incredibly healing. Unfortunately, pet loss is sometimes met with comments that unintentionally dismiss the depth of the pain. That’s why it’s important to talk to people who understand—friends who are also pet lovers, online support groups, or even grief counselors who specialize in pet bereavement.

Organizations like the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) offer free online chats and resources tailored specifically for this kind of loss. Talking about your pet, sharing memories, and hearing from others who have been there can remind you that you’re not alone. Sometimes, just being able to say their name out loud or tell their story can bring a little light into your darker days.

Creating a Memorial That Heals

Creating a memorial for your pet is a meaningful way to process grief and celebrate their life. This could be as simple as lighting a candle each evening, making a scrapbook of their photos, or keeping their collar in a special place. Some people plant flowers or trees in their pet’s honor, while others donate to a local animal rescue in their name.

Memorial jewelry can also offer a comforting way to keep your pet close. At Lee Alexander & Co., we design heirloom-quality jewelry that discreetly holds a small platinum-sealed pod, perfect for cremation ash, fur, or even a small tag or charm. Whether it’s a necklace, ring, or pendant, each piece is made with care and intention—designed to offer quiet comfort and an enduring sense of connection. Wearing their memory can bring peace to your daily life, helping you carry their love wherever you go.

Comfort in Routine and Ritual

After the loss of a pet, the days can feel disoriented. So much of our time is structured around their care and companionship. One helpful step in healing is to introduce new rituals or gently adjust your routine. This might mean taking a walk at a similar time you used to walk them, journaling each morning, or lighting a candle at sunset in their memory.

Even small gestures can create space to reflect and begin to heal. Some people find comfort in volunteering with animals, fostering pets, or supporting rescue groups. While it doesn’t replace your bond, it can redirect love in a healing way. There is no pressure to "move on" or bring a new pet into your life before you’re ready—only opportunities to keep the spirit of that connection alive in ways that feel right for you.

Love That Stays With You

Losing a beloved pet is a heartbreak that deserves tenderness, time, and recognition. The grief you feel is a reflection of the love you gave, and that love doesn’t disappear. It changes, softens, and finds new ways to stay with you.

Whether through memorial jewelry, sharing their story, or simply allowing yourself to feel, your grief matters. And so does your healing. However you choose to remember your pet, may it bring you a sense of comfort, and remind you that the bond you shared was real, deep, and forever yours.