Pet bereavement Library

For many children, young people and adults, the death of a pet is a deeply felt and meaningful loss.

The Pet Bereavement Library recognises the importance of these bonds and offers guidance to help adults support children and young people when a pet or service animal dies.

This section includes age-appropriate guidance for both children and young people.

These guides help adults explain death in gentle, honest ways, validate the depth of a child’s feelings, and support healthy expressions of grief, without minimising or dismissing the loss.

Pet bereavement Library

Saying Goodbye to a Pet

Supporting children and young people when a pet dies

When a Service Animal Dies

Supporting children and young people after the loss of a service animal

Why This Hurts So Much

Understanding why pet loss can feel so big