What to Say When Someone Loses a Pet

Losing a pet is a heartbreaking experience, and it can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is grieving. Our latest blog post offers compassionate and practical advice on how to express your condolences and support during this challenging time.

Pets are more than just animals to many pet owners. They are cherished companions, best friends, and beloved family members. Therefore, it's understandable that when a pet dies, the loss can be as devastating as losing a human loved one.

When someone loses a pet, they need support and comfort just like they would if they lost someone close to them. However, finding the right words to say when someone loses a pet can be difficult. In this blog post, we'll explore some thoughtful and compassionate things to say when someone loses a beloved pet.

Acknowledge the Loss

The first thing to say when someone loses a pet is to acknowledge the loss. It's essential to let them know that you understand their pain and recognize that their pet is an important part of their life. And sometimes, acknowledging their loss can become an opportunity for growth.

Here are a few examples of what you can say:

• "I'm so sorry for your loss. Your pet was a big part of your life, and I know how much you loved them."
• "I can't even imagine how hard this must be for you. Your pet was lucky to have such a loving owner like you."
• "Losing a pet is never easy. I'm here for you and thinking of you during this difficult time."

Offer Support

When someone loses a pet, they may feel alone and isolated in their grief for a life well lived. Offering support and letting them know that you're there for them can provide a great deal of comfort.

Here are some examples of what you can say:

• "I'm here if you ever need a friend. Don't hesitate to reach out."
• "I know you're going through a challenging time right now. Tell me if there's anything I can offer to help."
• "I'm thinking of you and (pet’s name) during this tough time. If you’re in need of something, just tell me."

Share Memories

Sharing memories of the pet can be a great way to provide comfort and help the pet owner feel like their pet is still remembered and loved. Ask them to share some stories about their pet, and share your own if you have any.

Here are some examples of what you can say:

• "Do you want to talk about your favorite times with your pet? What did they like to do most?"
• "(Pet name) brought so much happiness to you. I'm grateful for the time I got to spend with them too."
• "I'll always remember how nice your pet was and how many people they made smile."

Avoid Cliches

While it may be well-intentioned, some common phrases can be hurtful when someone is grieving the loss of a pet. Avoid phrases like "it was just a pet" or "you can always get another one." These phrases can come across as dismissive of the pet owner's feelings and the significance of their pet's life.

Instead, try these more thoughtful responses:

• "Your pet was an important part of your life. It's okay to grieve and take the time you need to heal."
• "(Pet name) was one of a kind, and they can never be replaced."
• "You truly loved your pet, and it's okay to take your time to grieve them."

What To Avoid Saying

While there are many comforting words for the loss of a pet, it's also important to know what to avoid saying. Here are some phrases and comments that may unintentionally cause more harm than good:

1. "It was just a pet. Get over it." - Unless you understand the bond an owner has with their pet, it's crucial to acknowledge and respect their feelings of loss instead of dismissing it.
2. "It's time to move on. You’ve grieved for too long." - Grieving is a personal process and has no deadline for when someone should "move on." Instead, encourage them to take all the time they need to grieve and heal.
3. "I know how you feel. It’s not that difficult to get over it." - Unless you've experienced their grief, it's best not to assume you know how they're feeling. Instead, ask how you can support them throughout their grieving process.
4. "They were very old; it was their time." - The age of a pet doesn't remove the love and bond with their owner. This comment may come across as insensitive and dismissive.

It's important to choose your words carefully when comforting someone who has lost a pet. Avoiding dismissive or insensitive comments can help support their healing process and show that you care.

Conclusion

Losing a pet is one of the hardest experiences a pet owner can face. It's important to offer support and comfort to them during this difficult time. Acknowledge their loss, offer support, share memories, and avoid cliches that may come across as insensitive.

By doing so, you can provide much-needed comfort to someone who is grieving their beloved pet. Don't let the opportunity to provide comfort to your clients and customers pass you by.

Pet Perennials offers a range of pet sympathy gifts and pet loss gifts that are perfect for showing your support during their time of grief. Whether you want to send a personalized pet memorial or a thoughtful pet sympathy gift, we have something that will help them feel loved and supported.

To make things even easier for your business, we offer a Gift Perks account that provides exclusive discounts and perks for businesses that cater to pet owners. Register for a business account today and take advantage of these exclusive benefits.

Alternatively, you can order our pet sympathy gifts and pet loss gifts today, and we can flip you into a business account afterward. Don't wait. Take action today and show your clients and customers that you care.

Place your order now or register for a Gift Perks account to start enjoying exclusive discounts and benefits.  

At Pet Perennials, we are passionate about helping pet-friendly businesses build relationships with their clients through the power of gift-giving. So go ahead, get creative, and show your customers and their furry friends some love by registering for a Gift Perks Account today!

Lori Davidson is mom to two cats, Pumpkin and Snookie. A lifetime pet lover, the loss of her two 16 year old Bichons within months of each other was the driving force behind her co-founding Pet Perennials. Needing to do something more, something with meaning. led she and co-founder Remy Bibaud to create a business on the foundation of helping heal hearts broken by pet loss. From an initial product (the Pet Perennials Kit) we've grown to add other unique and thoughtful gifts. We created a Gift Perks program to help petscentric businesses honor the loss of their own clients' pets. We get it. Pets are family. Remember all the milestones along a pet's journey, celebrate all they bring to your lives, and honor their memory when the time arrives for the last good-bye.