Pet bereavement support

Losing a pet can hurt as much as losing any loved one. Whatever you’re feeling, whether that’s sadness, guilt, anger, loneliness or numbness, it’s a normal part of grief. Blue Cross notes that these mixed feelings are very common after losing a pet.

You don’t have to cope alone. These services are free.

Blue Cross Pet Loss Support

Blue Cross runs a free and confidential support service for anyone affected by the loss of a pet, whether through death, separation or theft. It’s run by trained volunteers.

• Phone: 0800 096 6606, 8.30am to 8.30pm, every day
• Email: [email protected]
• Webchat and online form: on the Blue Cross Pet Loss Support page
• Facebook community: a group where people support each other through their grief, linked from the same page

Help for children

For many children, losing a pet is their first experience of death. Blue Cross has a guide on pet loss support for children.

Help with grief

PDSA has advice on coping with the grief and loss of a pet, and notes that it’s perfectly normal for grief to take days, weeks or even years to fade.

Your other pets

Other pets in the home may also seem unsettled after a companion dies. Blue Cross says this can include crying, searching for their friend, or loss of appetite.

If you’re struggling

If you’re finding it very hard to cope, please talk to your GP. If you are feeling desperate, you can call Samaritans free, any time, on 116 123 (samaritans.org).

Remembering your pet

Some people find it helps to create a memorial or keep a memento. See urns and memorials for ideas.

If you still need to arrange your pet’s cremation, you can request a callback or call 0117 463 3838 whenever you’re ready.