How Other Pets in the Household May Grieve — and How to Support Them

Losing a beloved pet is incredibly difficult for the entire family — and that includes your other pets. Just like people, animals form close bonds with their companions. When one passes away, those left behind may feel the loss in ways that are easy to miss or hard to interpret.

At this delicate time, it’s important to recognize the signs of grief in surviving pets and learn how to support them — while also giving yourself grace to grieve.

🐾 Can Pets Really Grieve?

Yes — research and experience suggest that pets can mourn the loss of a fellow animal companion. Dogs, cats, and even smaller animals like rabbits and birds often experience distress when a bonded companion dies.

They may not understand death the way humans do, but they sense absence, changes in routine, and emotional energyin the household. This can lead to noticeable behavioral changes.

🐶 Common Signs of Pet Grief

Each animal reacts differently, but here are some common signs that your pet may be grieving:

• Loss of appetite or interest in food

• Sleeping more or seeming withdrawn

• Pacing or searching the house for their companion

• Vocalizing more than usual (whining, meowing, howling)

• Changes in bathroom habits

• Increased clinginess or neediness

• Loss of interest in play or favorite activities

These behaviors can last days or even weeks and are usually temporary. Still, they deserve attention and care.

🧡 How to Support a Grieving Pet

While you can’t explain the loss to them in words, you can offer comfort through love, patience, and stability.

1. Maintain a Routine

Animals find security in routine. Try to stick to their normal schedule — regular walks, feeding times, bedtime rituals — to provide a sense of normalcy.

2. Offer Extra Affection

If your pet is seeking more closeness, don’t hesitate to provide gentle affection, lap time, or extra brushing. Physical touch can be very soothing.

3. Give Them Time and Space

Some pets, like independent cats, may need solitude while processing the absence. Respect their space, but quietly check in and offer comfort.

4. Keep Them Engaged

Try to reintroduce light play, short walks, or puzzle toys to gently distract and lift their mood over time. Mental stimulation helps ease anxiety.

5. Avoid Rushing to “Replace” the Lost Pet

While it may be tempting to get another pet right away, it’s usually best to wait. Your surviving pet needs time to adjust and may not be ready for a new companion immediately.

6. Talk to a Vet If Needed

If grief symptoms last beyond 2–3 weeks, or your pet stops eating or becomes lethargic, consult your veterinarian to rule out illness or depression.

🌈 Should You Let Your Pet Say Goodbye?

Some pet owners wonder if surviving pets should be present during euthanasia or allowed to see the deceased pet afterward. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but many vets believe allowing them to see and smell their companion’s body can help them understand that their friend is gone, not just missing.

In-home euthanasia services can often accommodate this quiet moment of farewell if you feel it's right for your household.

💬 You're Not Alone — And Neither Are They

Grieving the loss of a pet is hard enough without also worrying about how your other animals are coping. The good news is: you’re in this together. By creating a calm, loving environment and watching for changes in behavior, you can help your surviving pet slowly find their footing again — just as you will.

At this time, be kind to yourself, and trust that healing — for both human and animal hearts — comes gently, in its own time.

If you need more resources on pet loss or want to talk about in-home euthanasia options that support the entire family, we’re here to help.