When a beloved family pet dies, often children grieve just as if that pet were human. In fact, it’s not unusual for children sometimes to grieve more for a pet than for a relative who has passed away. There are many reasons that children feel the loss so deeply. Children become very attached to their pet because the pet is there every day for them. Often children feel they can talk to their pet in ways they cannot to their own parents. Pets are loyal, friendly, and always happy to see you. Losing that can be very hard.

If you have a child who is grieving over a lost pet, here are some things you can do to help your child heal:

• Do not down-play your child’s grief over the loss of their pet. To your child, the loss is deep, personal, and it hurts.
• Talk to your child about their feelings. If your child has trouble verbalizing his thoughts, you could ask him to draw pictures of him and his pet. Then ask him to talk about the pictures.
• Suggest creating a memorial for your pet. You can include drawings, photos, poems, etc. and even hold a family memorial service.
• Talk to your child about grief and explain that getting a new pet right away won’t make the sad feelings go away. Tell your child that in time, if it’s right for your family, then a new pet may be brought into your home.
• Assure your child that any new pet would never be a replacement for your lost pet. Help him understand that a new pet will bring a whole new and different friendship to the family.

Pet loss is a wonderful way for children to learn about loss and subsequent grief. The way to help them handle their emotions and questions during this loss will set the stage for future losses amongst friends and family members. Don’t avoid the subject, but address it head on.