Pet loss and bereavement
Our pets are very special to us, providing unconditional love with total acceptance, often becoming a companion and sharing our experiences. It is therefore understandable that when this bond is severed, the sense of loss is often difficult to come to terms with, both emotionally and physically. These feelings are normal and a testimony to the special bond between people and their pets. Unfortunately, not everyone understands this grief and it can be a very lonely experience.

Support for bereaved pet owners
Support is available for anyone who has lost a pet, or is about to part with a pet, through the  Pet Bereavement Support Service run by The Blue Cross and SCAS.

This is a confidential telephone and email service that offers emotional support to pet owners through a national network of trained volunteer befrienders. Since its launch in 1994, the service was helped thousands of pet owners of all ages and from all walks of life. Losing a pet of any kind can be very painful and all contact with the service is treated sensitively and with compassion.

Telephone support
The support line is open seven days a week 8:30am - 8:30pm with an answerphone outside these hours. To make contact, call the freephone number 0800 096 6606.

A caller is given the contact details of the nearest available telephone befriender. The first call is free; thereafter calls are at local rates wherever possible.

Support by email
The Pet Bereavement Support Service also offers an  email service for people who prefer to write about how they are feeling.

Pet memorial
You may wish to remember a pet in a special and lasting way with a photograph or by writing a few words or a poem for our memorial books, perhaps select one of our garden memorials or you can even create an online memorial by clicking here.

Missing my Pet

Missing my Pet was written by Alex Lambert, aged 6, after the sudden loss of his pet dog called star. It deals with the initial illness of a pet, the death of a pet and the emotions that we all go through afterwards. It also helps children understand cremation, how to remember their pet and tackles the question of getting another pet. The book is superb and also comes with a supporting booklet that has helpful advice for parents.

Available here: Link