Pet Bereavement Counselling for young people (17-18) and adults in Chester, Tarporley and Frodsham Cheshire. Online nationwide
Why I Support Pet Bereavement: A Personal Journey Through Love, Loss, and Healing
My deep love for animals has been with me all my life. I’ve shared my home with dogs and cats for as long as I can remember, and as a child, I spent weekends riding and caring for horses or helping on smallholdings. Whether domestic pets or animals in the wild, they have always held a special place in my heart.
My animals have offered me comfort, companionship, and unconditional love—especially during life’s hardest moments. Their presence brings calm and joy to my home. But like many of you, I’ve also faced the heart-wrenching pain of saying goodbye. The grief of losing a beloved pet is one of the most profound and personal losses I’ve ever experienced.
At times, I felt isolated in my grief. Friends and family often didn’t fully understand, and I struggled with a deep sadness that felt invisible. That’s why I’m so passionate about offering pet bereavement counselling—no one should feel alone in this kind of pain.
For my master’s research, I focused on pet loss and the role of counselling in supporting people through it. I also explored how professionals can better acknowledge and validate this unique form of grief. I’m committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care that honours the deep bond you shared with your animal companion.
We often underestimate just how powerful the human–animal connection is. Pets love us without judgement and ask for so little in return. When that bond is broken, the loss can feel overwhelming—and you deserve the space to grieve, remember, and heal.
“What Support Looks Like After Losing a Beloved Animal Companion”
Losing a pet can feel like losing part of your heart — and the grief that follows is real, deep, and often misunderstood. I’m here to walk alongside you as you process this loss, offering a warm, empathetic, and non-judgemental space where your feelings are truly heard.
Together, we’ll make space for whatever is coming up for you — sadness, guilt, loneliness, or even numbness. Your grief is valid. Whether your loss was recent, sudden, anticipated, or complex, I will support you in making sense of it, at your pace.
As with any kind of bereavement, talking about what this loss has meant to you — the memories, the love, and the unique bond you shared — can be deeply healing. I can also support you in navigating any specific questions you may have about the death of your pet, including those surrounding euthanasia, decision-making, or how to honour their memory.
Sometimes grief stirs up past experiences or unresolved emotions. As a qualified, trauma-informed counsellor, I can support you in exploring these gently, if you choose to. I will always aim to help you feel grounded, safe, and in control.
You don’t have to go through this alone. The love we feel for our animal companions is powerful — and so is the grief. Your pain deserves care, not comparison.
“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 Pet Loss Hurts So Deeply — And Deserves Compassionate Support
Through my research and many heartfelt conversations with grieving pet owners, one truth stands out clearly: the grief of losing an animal companion can be deep, long-lasting, and often misunderstood.
For my master’s dissertation, I explored the human–animal bond and the emotional impact of pet bereavement. I studied the profound connection we form with our pets, the mental health benefits they bring, and why their loss can be as devastating as any other form of grief. Many people feel unsure how to talk about this loss, fearing they’ll be judged, dismissed, or simply not understood.
Grief doesn’t follow a timeline. My research revealed that the pain of pet loss can last for months, sometimes years — especially when the grief is disenfranchised (unrecognised or minimised by others). I also explored the importance of maintaining emotional bonds after loss, the specific circumstances around end-of-life decisions, and how therapy can provide vital support.
In short: when we love deeply, we grieve deeply — and that grief is valid. No matter how long it lasts or how it shows up, your experience matters and deserves to be heard.
I have 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
Do you have experience of your own pet loss?
Yes, I have experienced the deep grief of losing a beloved pet, and it shapes how I support others during their loss. I understand the unique bond between humans and their pets and am committed to helping you navigate your grief with empathy and care. My personal experiences and love for animals allow me to offer genuine understanding and provide a safe space for you to express your emotions and heal.
I am losing my animal and I am finding it really difficult, can you help?
Anticipatory grief can be incredibly difficult as you’re constantly watching and waiting. I’ve been through it myself and understand how challenging it can be. You may feel anxious, stressed, or experience emotions like sadness, anger, despair, or panic. Support during this time can provide a safe space to share your feelings and help you find ways to cope.
How soon after the loss can I contact you for counselling?
You can reach out whenever you feel ready. In the early days and weeks after a loss, it’s common to feel intense emotions, shock, or denial. Many people find it helpful to wait a couple of weeks before seeking support, as they may feel more prepared to share their feelings then.
How do you support clients who are grieving over the loss of a pet?
Our sessions focus entirely on you and your experience. I provide a safe space to explore emotions like guilt over euthanasia, feelings of responsibility, or difficulty forgiving yourself. We can also address the trauma of loss, the emptiness in your home, or the disruption of your routine. Unexpected feelings may arise, and I’m fully qualified to support you through those as well.
As family members, can we all join a session together?
Losing a cherished pet affects each family member differently, as everyone has their own unique bond. Our individual sessions allow you to focus on your personal experience, providing a safe, supportive space tailored to your needs.
I have specific questions relating to losing my pet, can you answer them?
You may have specific questions about your pet's loss, like: Where can I bury them? How do I know when it’s time to say goodbye? How will the loss affect my other pets? How do I tell my children? When will I get the ashes back, and what should I expect? Alongside counselling, I can help address any concerns or questions you have.
