Compassion That Connects
For those of us who work closely with pets and the people who love them, we understand that pets are more than companions, they’re family. They are part of daily routines, milestones, and moments of quiet comfort. When a pet passes, it leaves a space that can’t be filled, and for many, that grief is both deep and disorienting.
At Pet Perennials, our own experiences with losing beloved pets led us to create a service that helps others navigate that same heartbreak. We felt the weight of grief and also the quiet void left by a lack of acknowledgment from the world around us. It was a powerful reminder: people need their loss to be seen, especially when society doesn’t always give them permission to grieve a pet as fully as they would a human.
The Often Unspoken Grief Your Clients Carry
As a veterinarian, groomer, dog walker, trainer, or boarding professional, you are in a unique position. You don’t just provide services; you form trusted relationships with people and their pets. That trust becomes especially important when a client is facing end-of-life decisions or mourning a recent loss.
But pet loss isn’t always treated with the care and reverence it deserves. Many people experience what’s known as disenfranchised grief; grief that isn’t socially acknowledged or validated. And that can leave your clients feeling isolated at a time when they most need support.
A Simple Gesture Can Leave a Lasting Impression
The power of acknowledgment is profound. When you take a moment to recognize a client’s loss, whether through a kind word, a card, or a small keepsake, it creates a meaningful connection. It shows that your care extends beyond appointments and into the emotional fabric of their lives.
You don’t need elaborate systems or scripts. A gesture of genuine empathy can offer comfort that clients will remember for years to come. These moments are more than kind; they’re good for your business, too. They foster loyalty, deepen relationships, and reflect the compassionate values at the heart of your work.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Being there for grieving pet parents doesn’t mean you need all the answers, it just means showing up with heart. For those who need more support, there are excellent resources available:
-
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB.org) – Offers support groups, professional articles, and pet loss chats for those navigating grief.
- Lap of Love (lapoflove.com/grief-resources) – Provides pet loss resources and access to licensed therapists specializing in grief support.
Pointing your clients toward these tools shows you care about their well-being, even beyond your core services.
About Pet Perennials
Pet Perennials was born from personal loss and a desire to help others feel seen in theirs. We provide thoughtful sympathy and milestone gifts that pet professionals can send on behalf of their business, helping to honor the special bond between pets and their people.
Our mission is to make meaningful gifting simple, affordable, and heartfelt. Through our Gift Perks Program, businesses like yours can express compassion with ease, reinforcing the trust and care that keeps clients coming back.
