Pet Loss and Grief

We know that losing your pet can be difficult, and we are here to help you.

Losing Your Furry Family Member

Grief is natural and normal. Everyone grieves. Some show it often and openly. Others grieve privately. There is no wrong way to grieve. Losing a pet can be as traumatic as losing a family member because in many cases, that’s what they are. It’s natural to have feelings of sadness, and it takes time to overcome them.

Cedar Way Veterinary Clinic has gathered resources to help you process your grief or remember your loved pet. Please click on a topic below for more information. 

Planning Your Pet's End-Of-Life Care

Please click here for a list of nine questions to consider when planning the end-of-life-care for your pet.

Stages of Grief
  1. Shock and Denial: Defined by a feeling of numbness, which can last for a few hours to several weeks.
  2. Searching and Yearning: Where pet owners acutely miss their pet and may experience sadness, anger, relief, guilt, and irritability.
  3. Disorganization: Pet owners begin to live and may appear scattered and distracted.
  4. Acceptance: Normal sleeping habits return and relationships with a new pet can be formed.
Coping with the Death of Your Pet

Everyone grieves differently and shows grief in different ways. Here are some guides to help you deal with your grief.

Why do I feel so sad? – Some Thoughts About Grief

How can I help my kids understand? – Grief and Children

Humane Society of the United States – How to Cope with the Death of Your Pet

Remember Your Pet

How you decide to remember your pet is a completely personal decision. We recommend using Metro Animal Service for your pet’s aftercare. They offer a wide range of services for however you chose to remember your loved pet.