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Why Grieving a Pet Is Normal: Understanding the Depth of Pet Loss

For many, pets are more than just animals—they are family members, confidants, and sources of unconditional love. When a beloved pet passes away, the grief can feel overwhelming. The emotional pain of losing a pet can be as intense as that of losing a human loved one. However, societal attitudes often fail to validate this profound loss. At the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB), we recognize the depth of this bond and are committed to helping pet parents navigate their grief with compassion and understanding.

The Emotional Bond Between Pets and Their Owners

The connection between pets and their owners is unique and deeply emotional. Pets provide companionship, comfort, and even a sense of purpose. Scientific studies have shown that pets can reduce stress, ease loneliness, and improve mental health by fostering feelings of happiness and security. This bond is so strong that it often mirrors relationships with human family members. Losing a pet disrupts daily routines, emotional stability, and even identity for many pet parents.

Why Grieving a Pet Is Normal

Grief is the natural response to loss, and the death of a pet can evoke intense emotions such as sadness, guilt, anger, or even relief if the pet was suffering. These feelings are entirely normal and reflect the depth of love shared with your pet. Because the grief at the loss of a pet is often not openly acknowledged or supported, it is categorized as disenfranchised grief This lack of validation can make it harder for individuals to process their emotions.

At APLB, we emphasize that grieving a pet is just as valid as any other form of loss. The love you shared with your pet deserves recognition, and so does your grief.

The Shifting Perspective on Pet Loss

Thankfully, societal attitudes toward pet grief are gradually changing. More people are acknowledging the importance of pets as family members and grieving for them openly. Organizations like APLB play a crucial role in this shift by offering resources and support groups that validate these emotions. The rise in pet loss support services highlights how deeply these bonds are felt across communities.

How APLB Supports Pet Parents

APLB provides an array of resources to help grieving pet parents heal:

  • Weekly Chat Rooms: Free online chat sessions https://www.aplb.org/chat-with-us/ led by trained Pet Loss Grief Specialists (PLGS) offer a safe space to share your feelings or simply listen to others who understand your pain.
  • Video Support Groups: For deeper connections, join our video sessions https://www.aplb.org/online-video-support-about/ held every Saturday and on select Sundays. These groups provide face-to-face interaction with others navigating similar losses.
  • Pet Memorials: Members can create online memorials https://www.aplb.org/pet-memorials/ to honor their pets’ lives through photos and stories.
  • Educational Resources: Access articles on anticipatory grief https://www.aplb.org/anticipatory-grief/ , coping strategies, and more to guide you through this journey.

Healing Through Connection

One of the most effective ways to heal from pet loss is by connecting with others who understand your grief. Sharing stories in support groups or creating memorials can be therapeutic and affirming. These connections remind you that you’re not alone in your journey.

Call to Action: Join Our Community Today

If you’re struggling with the loss of a beloved pet or preparing for an anticipated goodbye, we invite you to join APLB’s compassionate community. Here’s how you can get started:

  1. Participate in our free weekly chat rooms .
  2. Explore our low-cost membership options to access additional resources like creating online memorials and attending video support groups.
  3. Share your story with others who truly understand what you’re going through.

Your grief is valid, your love is real, and you don’t have to face this alone. Visit APLB.org today to access tools that support your healing process—because honoring your bond with your pet is an essential step toward finding peace. Let’s heal together.

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Exclusive APLB Webinar:
A conversation on pet loss and children

A conversation with Dr. Lynsey Rinelli, veterinarian and author of a children’s book on pet loss, Goodbye for Now, and Colleen Rolland, President of the APLB

Event Details
Date: Thursday, July 10th
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM, ET
Location: via Zoom (registration required)

Exclusive APLB Webinar: The Benefits of Hospice Veterinary Care

Ensuring Comfort and Dignity for Pets in Their Final Days

Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM, ET
Location: via Zoom (registration required)

We are excited to invite you to an exclusive members-only live webinar exploring the experience and benefits of hospice veterinary care—a compassionate approach to supporting pets and their families through end-of-life care.

APLB Video Support Groups

We are now offering Online Video Support Groups every Saturday from 7 pm - 9 pm EST/USA.

1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays from 1 pm - 3 pm EST/USA and every 2nd and 4th Sunday from 7 pm - 9 pm EST/USA.

Our Video Support Groups are available to all Silver and Platinum members.

If you want to learn more about our Video Support Groups, please click or tap the button below.

Webinar: A Conversation on Pet Loss with Author E.B. Bartels

Join us for this exciting event

Rainbow Bridge
Memorial Celebration

In honor of Rainbow Bridge Memorial Day (August 28), we are offering a 20% discount on Silver and Platinum memberships throughout the entire month of August.

By joining us, you will have the unique opportunity to create a lasting online memorial for your pet, complete with photos and stories you can cherish.

Live Webinar

Navigating Pet Loss & Grief

Thursday, June 6th, 2024
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Eastern

Sponsored by:

Navigating Pet Loss & Grief, hosted by Moose’s
March, this webinar is designed to support pet
owners through the difficult journey and depth of
pet loss, anticipatory grief and understanding
guilt. This webinar will also provide 3 key
takeaways for the management of grief,
Featuring insights from renowned experts
Colleen Rolland, Association of Pet Loss and
Bereavement and Dr. Nancy Curotto, Pet Loss &
Bereavement Specialist. Attendees will have an
opportunity to ask questions of the experts.

Special Holiday Schedule

We understand that the holidays can be a difficult time for pet parents missing their fur babies. APLB will be extending our hours this year to help you – we’ll get through this together.

Chat Room

Sun Dec 24: 2 – 4 pm EST
Sun Dec 24: 8 – 10 pm EST
Mon Dec 25: 8 – 10 pm EST
Tues Dec 26: 8 – 10 pm EST
Wed Dec 27: 8 – 10 pm EST
Fri Dec 29: 8 – 10 pm EST
Sun Dec. 31: 2 – 4 pm EST
Sun. Dec 31: 8 – 10 pm EST
Mon Jan 1: 8 – 10 pm EST

Video Support Group

Sat Dec 9: 7- 9 pm EST
Sun Dec 10: 7- 8:30 EST
Sat Dec. 23: 7 – 9 pm EST

This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.

This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.