Pet bereavement support

• Listen to our podcast on the Pet Bereavement Support Service

Grieving for the loss of a pet, whether through death or enforced separation, can be a sad and difficult experience. Life once filled with the love and friendship of a pet, may suddenly seem very empty and feelings of despair and loneliness are not uncommon.

Sometimes it helps to share these feelings with someone who knows from personal experience how distressing the loss of a pet can be, and who will listen with compassion and without judgement.

Create an online memorial for your pet

Pet memorials can be a helpful and comforting way to remember and commemorate the life of a pet that has passed on. A memorial to your animal will serve as a lasting testament to the unique bond that was shared between you and your pet. Create a pet memorial.

Telephone and email befrienders

The Pet Bereavement Support Service (PBSS) offers support and understanding to bereaved pet owners through a national network of trained volunteer telephone and email befrienders, all of whom are ready to help. All calls and emails are treated confidentially.

The service is run by The Blue Cross in conjunction with The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS). PBSS is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and adopts its code of ethics. The service is also a member of the Telephone Helpline Association, and is supported by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

More information

• Children and Pet Bereavement leaflet (PDF)
• Pet Bereavement leaflet (PDF)
• Read our policy on confidentiality
• Become a volunteer befriender