Pet Loss

Pet loss is one of the most common—and most often minimized—forms of grief. This 1.5-hour class session explores why the death of a companion animal can feel as devastating as any other major loss, drawing on the history of human–animal bonds, the roles pets occupy in our families, and the cultural forces that shape whether this grief is validated or dismissed.

We’ll examine how grief after pet loss typically unfolds, what distinguishes it from other bereavements, and why unrecognized grief is such a persistent experience for many grieving pet owners. The session also considers the varied circumstances under which pets die and how those circumstances influence the grieving process.

We close with practical, research‑informed approaches for coping with pet loss and for supporting others as they navigate this uniquely tender form of grief.