Losing an animal we love hurts. Whatever you feel is okay.
When a pet dies, you might feel sad, or cross, or a bit mixed-up inside. You might cry, or not cry — both are okay. There is no wrong way to feel.
Gary, Rosie, Elvis and Mimi would understand. Animals know that love is real, and that missing someone means you loved them lots.
You don’t have to forget your pet to feel better. You can keep remembering the happy times — the cuddles, the funny noises, the games. That love stays with you. 💛
The loss of a pet is a real loss — often a first experience of grief. It can come in waves: numbness, sadness, anger, guilt, and then, gradually, gentler memories. There’s no set order and no “right” timeline, and it can hit harder than people expect.
If your pet was part of your daily routine — feeding, walking, just being there — the quiet where they used to be can feel loud. That’s normal.
Many people replay decisions afterwards — a vet visit, a choice about treatment, being at school when it happened. Grief looks for reasons. Being kind to yourself matters: you cared, and caring is what love looks like.
Winston’s Wish is the UK’s childhood bereavement charity. They have free, expert support for children, young people and the adults caring for them.
Visit Winston’s Wish →