How to help children cope with losing a pet

Losing a pet

Pets quickly become part of the family – day in, day out, they’re always there for your children to play with, to confide in, or to greet them when they arrive home from school. But pets don’t have the lifespan of their owners, and this eventually leads to the grief of bereavement.

Sometimes their pet has literally been a lifelong companion – if you lose a cat or dog who’s been part of your family since your children were born, they’re likely to feel a strong sense of loss simply because he’s no longer there.

Emotional responses to the death of a pet

It’s natural for your child to experience a cycle of different emotions after the death of a pet, ranging from denial and anger to sadness and guilt. The feelings generated by the loss of a pet pack a real punch – and can be as pronounced and confusing as any bereavement.

You can help your child understand that all these emotions are natural, and that it’s healthy to express how they feel, rather than to keep their feelings inside. As a parent or carer, don’t feel you have to hide your sadness from your child – showing your own emotion can help your child feel less isolated, and realise they’re not alone in their grief.

Breaking the news

Telling children about the death of a pet may be one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do as a parent or carer.

Thinking carefully about the best time and place to tell them is an important part of breaking the news. Make sure you have a quiet moment, away from distractions such as the TV or internet, and be sure they know you’re on hand to give them the emotional support they need to deal with their loss.

The approach you take will need to reflect your child’s age, maturity, and – most importantly – their character. Sensitive children find loss particularly hard to deal with, but that doesn’t mean those who are older or appear more resilient won’t find it hard in their own way – even if they don’t show it.

Toddlers and small children may be too young to grasp the concept of death, so think carefully about how much detail you give them.

Whatever age your child, it’s best to be truthful about what’s happened, rather than relying on the old cliché of “he’s gone to live on a farm” – even though that may seem kinder, it doesn’t help your child to process bereavement in the long-run.

Don’t be afraid to use words like death or died, too, rather than vague terms such as ‘passed away’ or ‘crossed over’, which can be difficult for children to understand.

Getting expert help and support

If the loss of your pet has come at a particularly tough time in your child’s life – in the middle of important exams, perhaps, or after the death of a family member, you might want to seek help from a counsellor or family therapist. You may also want to inform your child’s teacher if they’re particularly upset.

When euthanising is the only option

If you have a very elderly or ill cat or dog, you may be considering euthanasia. While this is an incredibly difficult decision, it does at least give you the chance to say goodbye. Choosing euthanasia can give you the chance to make your peace with the fact that he or she will no longer be around, in a way that a sudden death doesn’t allow.

Talk to your children about the reasons for the decision – chances are, if your pet is very old and has been suffering for a while they will understand that it is the kindest thing to do.