Losing a beloved animal is a deeply personal and often heartbreaking experience. The grief can be profound, and it’s important to acknowledge that there is no right or wrong timeline for deciding whether or when to bring another animal into your life. It’s common to hear people say things like, “Just get another one,” but that advice, although well-meaning, is rarely helpful.

Grieving is a process, and rushing it can feel confusing or even overwhelming. You need to give yourself permission to sit with your grief fully, and the choice to welcome a new animal should come from your own feelings, when you truly feel ready, or able, to do so. Some people choose not to bring another animal into their life, and that’s perfectly okay. Your grief, your healing, and the way your life has been impacted are entirely individual. Others find themselves ready at different times, immediately, after a few months, or even years later. There is no set timeline, and it’s important to trust your own sense of what feels right, taking into consideration yourself, your feelings, and your household.

My personal experience: 

I know this personally. We lost our beautiful Bailey in June of this year. He was a very special cat, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. The joy he brought into my life, the little quirks, the way he shaped my home and even influenced relationships, all of that is irreplaceable. I miss him every day. And sometimes, the grief still catches me unexpectedly, bringing tears and aching memories.

Three weeks ago, I was offered a tiny abandoned kitten at my vet’s practice. At first, I said no. It wasn’t the right time for me; my heart still belonged to Bailey. But as I thought about it, I realised that I could open my heart to another animal without diminishing the love I have for him. A week later, when I was asked again with no pressure, a voice inside of me said 'you can do this', and more importantly, I wanted him.  The next day, I welcomed a little ginger kitten into my home. He is so different from Bailey, a completely unique personality, quirks, and presence. And yet, he has already brought joy and comfort into my life. He hugs me with his own way when I cry and makes me laugh with his mischievous antics. At no point does it feel like he is replacing Bailey. Bailey will always hold his special place in my heart. But love, as human beings know, is not finite. We have the capacity to love deeply, again and again, while still honouring what we have lost.

I share this because grief for an animal can be profound, and it’s often misunderstood. If you are thinking about bringing a new animal into your life, remember: it’s about when you feel ready, not when anyone else says you should. Trust yourself, listen to your heart, and know that love can expand without ever replacing the one you lost.