Pet Bereavement Counselling for young people (17-18) and adults in Chester, 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. The grief that follows is real, deep, and often misunderstood. As a counsellor offering pet loss counselling and bereavement support, I provide a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where your feelings are truly heard. Together, we can gently explore whatever you are experiencing, whether that’s sadness, guilt, loneliness, or 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 own pace. Grieving a pet is a unique form of loss. Talking about what your animal companion meant to you, the memories, the love, and the bond you shared, can be deeply healing. I can also support you in navigating difficult aspects of pet bereavement, including:
- Euthanasia and decision-making
- Feelings of guilt or “did I do the right thing?”
- Adjusting to life without your pet
- Ways to honour and remember them
Sometimes, pet loss can bring up past experiences or unresolved emotions. As a qualified counsellor, I can support you in exploring these gently, always at your pace. I aim to help you feel grounded, safe, and in control throughout. If helpful, I can also offer breathing retraining techniques to support you with anxiety, overwhelm, or panic. Together, we can find ways to create more moments of calm and steadiness during this difficult time.
You don’t have to go through this alone. The love we feel for our pets is profound, and so is the grief. Your loss deserves care, understanding, and space.
“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
As part of my master’s dissertation, I explored the human–animal bond and the emotional impact of pet bereavement. This included looking at the unique connection we form with our pets, the mental health benefits they bring, and why their loss can feel as significant as any other form of grief. Many people struggle to talk about this kind of loss. You may worry about being judged, dismissed, or feel that others don’t fully understand the depth of your grief. This is sometimes known as disenfranchised grief, when a loss is not fully recognised or supported by those around you. Grief doesn’t follow a set timeline. The pain of losing a pet can last for months or even years, particularly when it hasn’t been given space to be acknowledged. Research also highlights the importance of:
- Maintaining a continued emotional bond with your pet
- Making sense of end-of-life decisions, including euthanasia
- Having a safe space to process your grief
At its core, this work reinforces a simple truth: when we love deeply, we grieve deeply. Your grief is valid, whatever it looks like and however long it lasts.
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 a genuine understanding and provide a safe space for you to express your emotions and heal. I have written blogs about my experience, which you are welcome to read.
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.
