Persons Experiencing Prolonged Grief After the Loss of a Pet

Abstract Pets have become important family members; many live inside the home and provide important daily support and unconditional love throughout each day. When a special companion animal dies, some people suffer prolonged grieving that is magnified by being disenfranchised, not acknowledged and recognized. Identifying some known risk factors can assist professionals for anticipating and offering important support. Women, people who are socially isolated and highly attached to the animal, and those with other recent life stressors have been reported at elevated risk. To learn more about prolonged grieving following pet loss, we analyzed historic 1992 data from callers to the first pet loss support hotline; all had elected euthanasia for their dog or cat and presumably had severe grief. Their average grieving period exceeded 1 year. Providing daily nursing care for the pet added risk for prolonged grieving. Owners with extensive education generally had greater likelihood of recovery. Living status did not affect women’s grief, but men living with others grieved longer than men living alone. When pets are aging or suffering with a terminal disease, owners can be guided in preparing for the pet’s death, lessening the impact of loss. The decision for euthanasia may engender less guilt if the person provides the pet appropriate veterinary care and offers supportive health care; yet, delivering extensive nursing care can increase risk for grieving. After the animal’s death, despite their efforts to cope, some people experience continuing bonds with the animal and some suffer long-term grieving; they may benefit from or require targeted special counseling. Human health professionals who work extensively in this area face secondary stress themselves from working with pet owners grieving pet loss. Self-care techniques can help offset the impact on health care professionals.