Dealing with the Loss of a Pet: Pet Grief Counseling

Having a pet can enhance your life in numerous ways. Studies have shown there are health

benefits from playing with your dog, petting a purring cat, or quietly contemplating the fish in an

aquarium, and having the close, loving companionship of a favorite pet brings joy to even an

ordinary day. Unfortunately, our pets live for only a fraction of the time we do, which means that

every loving pet owner at some point will face losing their beloved companion. What should you

do if you are having a difficult time coping with the loss of your pet? How do you know when

it’s time to find someone with a grief counseling certification to help you deal with your loss?

Remember: Grief Is Normal People who don’t have pets of their own or who aren’t particularly attached to the animals in

their lives often dismiss the very real grief that pet owners feel upon the death of a pet, which is

why it’s important to remind yourself that your feelings are valid. Research has shown that the

grieving process people go through after a pet dies is very similar to the grief they experience

after the loss of a family member or close friend. Not only has the American Veterinary Medical

Association established policies regarding pet loss support services, but there are accredited pet-

loss grief recovery specialist certifications for counseling professionals.

Professionals with bereavement certification emphasize that grief is a process. Try to remember:

● Grief passes gradually. You can’t just set a deadline and be done with it, or flip a switch

and no longer hurt. It will take time, so be patient with yourself.

● Talk to those who understand, and ignore the comments of those who don’t. You are not

obligated to defend your feelings to people who dismiss your grief because it’s “just a

dog” or “just a cat.” Instead, seek out family, friends, or even people online who

understand.

● Ignoring your feelings doesn’t make them go away. To truly heal, you will need to face

your feelings and work through them; otherwise the pain you suppress will keep

resurfacing.

Turning to Counselors with Pet-Loss Grief Recovery Specialist Certifications How do you know you need the help of a professional with grief counseling certification? The

short answer is that if you are having trouble functioning normally in your daily life, you may

benefit from working with a pet-loss counselor. Some people seem to get stuck in their grief to

the point where it develops into clinical depression.

Professionals with bereavement certification suggest you seek assistance if you notice any of the

following:

● Weight loss or gain

● Feelings of hopelessness

● Persistent lack of energy

● Changes in sleep habits, either sleeping much more or much less than normal

● Trouble making decisions, paying attention, or completing tasks

● Losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed

● Avoiding contact with friends or family members

● Thoughts of suicide or death

What a Therapist with Bereavement Certification Offers Often, people who have lost a pet feel they can be more open about their fear, loss and anger

with a professional than they can with loved ones, because they don’t have to worry about how

their emotions will make others feel. It’s also common for friends and family to offer what they

consider to be helpful advice, such as finding activities to occupy your time, or adopting a new

pet to “replace” the one you lost, but counselors with pet-loss grief recovery specialist

certifications, such as those in the American Institute of Health Care Professionals, will instead

help you find your own way. And let’s face it: Sometimes it’s easier to hear constructive

feedback from an “outsider” rather than a friend or family member. Going to a pet-loss grief

therapist allows your loved ones to simply offer support, because you have a professional to ask

for advice.

Hopefully you will be able to enjoy every day you have with your beloved pet, but when their

time comes, you don’t have to struggle alone. There are support groups and professionals with

bereavement certifications who can help you through your grieving process.