Whether you refer to them as a pet, a fur baby or a companion animal (defined as a domesticated animal that humans keep as part of the family unit), pets are an integral part of Australian family life (two thirds of Australian homes have at least one companion animal). The loss of your pet can be a devastating time and often those around us aren't able to fully understand the special bond you've shared with your pet.
There are a number of ways in which you might lose your pet, they may die through an accident, old age, sickness or have had to be euthanised. They may have got lost or run away, been stolen or you've had to surrender them for a some reason.
Pets give us unconditional love and support, so when we mourn their death or loss, the emotional pain can be extreme. This is where grief and loss counselling can be beneficial - to give you a safe place to discuss your feelings and emotions without feeling judged or misunderstood.
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Please refer to our general Grief Counselling page for Counselling Fees and Terms of Service.
Resources
This brochure from The Pet Loss Support Page, answers some common questions and gives insight into grief surrounding the euthanasia of your companion animal.
This brochure from the National Association for Loss and Grief (NSW) Inc provides an outline of the grief reactions associated with the loss of an animal.
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This brochure from The Pet Loss Support Page, answers some common questions and gives insight into grief surrounding the euthanasia of your companion animal.
Pet Loss Grief: The Pain Explained Dr Sarah Hoggan (TEDxTemcula)
The grief of losing a pet is crushing; and yet it is too often minimised. This talk explains why the pain of pet loss is different and why it is valid. Dr. Hoggan has been an emergency veterinarian for over 20 years. Many people meet her on the worst day of their life; when their pet is injured, when no else is available, and when it is time to say goodbye. Her career of dealing with critically injured pets, and their frantic families, gives her a compassionate perspective that only comes with experience and helping many animals to have a soft goodbye.