Pet Bereavement Counselling
A place to talk in confidence and be heard
Losing an animal, or even the thought of it, can bring up many difficult emotions, and I am here to help you navigate them. You might feel deep sadness or grief, as losing a pet can feel like losing a part of your family. You may also feel anxiety about how life will be without them or guilt, wondering if you did enough for them. These emotions can be overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel lost or unsure about how to handle them.
As a counsellor, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can share your feelings openly and begin to process your loss. Together, we can explore your emotions, understand them better, and find ways to cope with the pain. My aim is to help you through this difficult time, offering support and guidance as you heal. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Supporting clients who are grieving the loss of a pet
I have always had a deep connection with animals, and they are truly a part of my family. My animals mean the world to me, giving me love, companionship, and comfort, especially during the most challenging moments of my life. Their presence in my home brings me peace, but losing them has been one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever faced. I know the heartbreak of having to make difficult decisions and say goodbye to a beloved pet.
There have been times when my grief wasn’t understood by others, and I was left feeling isolated and alone in my sadness. This is why I’m so passionate about providing support to those going through the loss of an animal. I don’t want anyone to feel the loneliness that I experienced.
For my master’s research, I chose to focus on pet bereavement and how counselling can help people through this deep loss. I also wanted to raise awareness among professionals about the importance of offering support for pet bereavement. I am fully committed to offering compassionate care and continually developing my skills to provide the best support possible for those grieving their animal companions.
We should never underestimate the powerful bond we share with animals, who love us unconditionally and ask for so little in return. Losing this source of comfort and joy can feel incomprehensible, and I am here to help you through this difficult journey.
Who can I talk to about losing my animal?
How do you support clients who are grieving over the loss of a pet?
As a person-centred qualified counsellor I can be that person. I am going to be right by your side as you process the loss of your pet. Offering you a supportive, non-judgemental, and empathetic space.
As with any bereavement it is important for you to have someone to talk to who can hear exactly how you are feeling and what the loss of your animal has meant to you.
In addition, to my counselling approach, we can also take some time to answer any specific questions you may have surrounding the loss of your animal should this be something you need.
Sometimes when dealing with the loss of your pet, other feelings associated from other events or memories may arise unexpectedly. As a qualified counsellor you can feel safe to explore and reflect on these should you choose to.
“Our animal friends teach us more than we could have expected, and love us more than we could have hoped. That’s why we miss them more than we could have imagined.” – Unknown
Why does losing a pet hurt so much?
Through my research and discussions with pet owners, it's evident that people experience profound grief over the loss of their animals, often for longer periods than anticipated. Many feel isolated in their grief, hesitant to share it for fear of judgement or because they lack avenues for support.
How long does grief last? Society tends to downplay this grief, expecting it to diminish quickly, yet research indicates that mourning for our animal companions can persist for months or even years. When we love, we will grieve and there is no rules on how long that should or will be.
For my dissertation, I explored the importance of integrating pet loss into counselling services. I delved into the human-animal bond, our emotional attachment to pets, and the benefits they bring to our lives. I also examined the impact of grief, its duration, and the concept of disenfranchised grief—feeling marginalized in our mourning process. Additionally, I investigated methods for maintaining bonds, circumstances surrounding pet loss, and the role of counselling in providing grief support. (Photo credit: Morar)
I have recently done a live with Colleen Kersey, looking at this question
'Why does losing a pet hurt so much' - you can watch the replay by clicking here.
Learn more about Colleen and what she does here.
Frequently asked questions
Our sessions provide a safe and supportive space for you to process your feelings of grief and loss after the passing of your beloved pet. During these sessions, we will work together to explore and understand the unique bond you shared with your pet, as well as the impact of their absence on your daily life. I can help you navigate the complex emotions that come with pet loss, offering guidance and coping strategies to support you through this difficult time. I provide a non-judgemental environment where you can express your feelings openly and freely, and I will tailor my approach to meet your individual needs and preferences. Our sessions are centered around empathy, understanding, and healing, and I am committed to walking alongside you as you journey through the process of grieving the loss of your pet.
Yes, I have have experienced my own pet loss. I understand the deep sense of grief and emotional pain that comes with losing a beloved pet. My personal experiences influence the way I provide support and guidance to you during your difficult time. I understand the unique bond between humans and their pets and I am committed to helping individuals navigate their grief in a healthy and healing manner. I have a deep love for my animals and that and my personal experiences allow me to offer genuine empathy and understanding to you. I am here to provide a safe space for you to express your emotions and process your grief in a healthy way.
Anticipatory grief is difficult as you are constantly watching and waiting. I have experienced this and I know how difficult it can be. You may find you are becoming very anxious and feeling stressed. You may feel very emotional and have other feelings such as: sadness, despair, anger, and panic. Getting support during this time can be really helpful and give you a safe space to discuss your feelings and help you to find a way to cope during this time.
You can make contact with me whenever you feel ready. However, during the initial days and weeks following your loss, it's common to experience intense emotions, shock, and even denial. This period marks the early stages of the grieving process. Many people find it helpful to wait a couple of weeks before seeking support, as they may feel more prepared to discuss and share their feelings and emotions at that time.
I am a fully qualified person centred counsellor and registered member of the BACP. I underwent extensive training over three years which included a clinical placement and hour requirement. As a member of the BACP I follow their ethical framework, have monthly supervision and take part in regular CPD. My research dissertation which was awarded a distinction looked specifically at pet loss and the role of counselling to support a person through their grief. I continue to learn, research and I am working towards further qualifications relating to the loss of a companion animal. I am a registered member of the association of pet bereavement counsellors. I have studied grief and bereavement extensively and have a lot of experience working with clients in their grief. I am also trauma informed which can help in those situations when there is shock and trauma surrounding the loss of your animal.
The sessions are always about you. I will never direct or push you, I will be there with you, move and stay close to what you are experiencing. You will have a space to expresss your emotions and feelings. You may be feeling guilt over the decision to euthanise and that can be explored within the room. You may feel responsible and struggling to forgive yourself. The loss may have been traumatic and you may need to process that. Suddenly you may be alone and struggling with the lack of your routine, the missing presence of your companion in your home. We can explore all of that and whatever else that is causing you discomfort and difficulties. Often other things come up that you were not expecting, I am fully qualified and able to support you with that.
Losing a cherished pet impacts every family member, each having their own unique bond with the animal. Each person processes loss and grieves differently, so our sessions are for individuals in order to focus on your unique experience. This approach allows us to build rapport and create a safe, tailored environment that meets your specific needs.
You may have specific questions relating to the loss of your animal, such as: Where can I bury my companion animal? How do I know when it is time to say good-bye? What about my other animals, will they be affected from the loss? How do I tell my children? When do I get my pet's ashes back, what can I expect? In additon to my counselling approach, we can take time to look at whatever you feel you need a direct explanation or answer for.