What To Say When Someone Loses A Pet

Losing a pet is an incredibly difficult experience. It’s one that can be as painful as losing a human family member.

For many pet owners, pets – whether they’re cats, dogs or any other animal – are beloved companions who bring joy, comfort and unconditional love.

So when someone close to you loses a pet, knowing what to say and how to offer support can make a world of difference in their grieving process.

Why pets mean so much to people

Pets hold a special place in our lives. They’re more than just animals. They’re friends, confidants - and an integral part of the family.

Pets, while they often become part of our daily routines, their absence leaves a noticeable gap because they’re so incredibly special to us.

Pets offer companionship and loyalty that’s unique, fostering a bond that can be deeply comforting.

For many, they also provide emotional stability, helping ease anxiety, loneliness or depression.

That’s why, when a pet suddenly disappears, it can leave a gaping hole in a person’s heart – which is where you can come in to help them.

What to say when someone loses a pet

When someone you care about loses a pet, your words (and, as you’ll soon see, actions) can provide solace. Here are ways to approach the situation with sensitivity and care.

“I’m so sorry for your loss”

Sometimes, a simple acknowledgment of their pain is enough. This phrase can convey your empathy and understanding without feeling forced or scripted.

Even a simple “I’m so sorry” can go a really long way.

“I know how much they meant to you”

Acknowledging the deep connection they shared with their pet can be validating and show that you recognise their bond was significant.

Perhaps you saw them take their dog for three walks a day. Perhaps you saw them cuddle their cat like it was the most important thing to them in the world.

“They were so lucky to have you”

This sentiment focuses on the positive impact the pet owner had on their pet’s life, helping to honour the love and care they provided.

Share a memory

If you knew the pet, sharing a happy or heartwarming memory can bring comfort. It shows that you also remember the pet fondly and appreciate their unique personality.

Maybe you spent time with them and their dog at the beach. Maybe you spent the time with them watching a movie while their cat snuggled in between the two of you.

“It’s okay to grieve and take your time”

Validating their feelings and reminding them there’s no set timeline for grief can give them permission to mourn in their own way.

How you can help someone who’s lost a pet

It can be extremely difficult to know what to do if somebody has lost a pet. (Otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this!)

When someone loses a pet, practical support, understanding and compassion can provide much-needed comfort. Often it can provide comfort that the pet owner didn’t realise they needed.

Beyond just words, offering thoughtful gestures or assistance can help ease the pain of loss.

Here are meaningful ways to support someone grieving a pet.

Offer to spend some time together with them

Grief can feel isolating. And many people struggle to navigate it alone.

Offering your company - even if you’re just sitting in silence - can be a tremendous comfort. More than you realise.

Consider inviting them to a relaxed, pet-friendly café, taking a walk outside or simply sharing a quiet afternoon.

Just being present without any pressure to talk or “cheer them up” can be deeply comforting and reassuring.

Even if they say “no” to your offer, they’ll most likely greatly appreciate your thoughts.

Check in regularly

The days immediately after a pet’s passing are often filled with offers of sympathy. But as time goes on, friends and family can sometimes (and unfortunately, usually) fade away.

Checking in periodically - through a text, phone call, or in-person visit - shows you haven’t forgotten their loss. You can be certain that they certainly haven’t forgotten (even though they may have purchased another pet).

You could ask simple, open-ended questions like, “How have you been feeling?” or “Is there anything you need?”

These gentle check-ins remind them they are supported. Even if weeks or months have passed.

Give them space to talk about their pet

Grieving pet owners may find comfort in sharing stories and memories. But they also might hold back, feeling that others may not understand.

Letting them know that you’re there to listen can be a beautiful way to support them.

You could gently encourage them by saying, “I’d love to hear more about [pet’s name] if you’d like to share,” or ask them to describe what made their pet unique.

This space to reminisce can help them process their loss and feel validated in their grief.

Offer practical help

Mourning can be physically and emotionally draining, making even simple daily tasks overwhelming. That’s where you can come in and help.

Practical support, such as preparing meals, helping with household chores, or running errands, can relieve some of their stress.

You might say, “I’d love to drop off a meal for you this week. What day works for you?” or “Is there anything on your to-do list that I could help with?”

These small gestures (while they may seem menial) can actually make a big difference. It helps them focus on healing without the added pressure of daily responsibilities.

Encourage a ritual of remembrance

Encouraging your friend or loved one to create a small ritual to honour their pet’s memory can be a powerful form of healing.

This might include lighting a candle, creating a photo album, or planting a tree in their pet’s honor. A simple idea could be organizing a small gathering where they share stories and memories with others who knew and loved their pet.

These activities offer a way to channel their grief into something meaningful, providing a way to commemorate their pet’s life.

Send a thoughtful card or letter

Taking the time to write a heartfelt note can be more meaningful than a quick message or text

In your card or letter, you could express sympathy, share a personal memory of their pet, or let them know you’re available to support them.

Writing something simple but heartfelt like, “I know how much [pet’s name] meant to you, and I’m here whenever you want to talk” can be comforting and show you genuinely care.

Purchase them a pet urn

For many pet owners, having a dedicated place to remember their beloved pet can be healing.

A custom pet urn can serve as a beautiful and tangible way to honour their pet’s life and provide a sense of closeness.

You might consider a personalized urn engraved with their pet’s name or even a small keepsake urn.

This gesture respects the importance of their pet’s memory, allowing them to cherish and hold onto their connection even as they move through the grieving process.

Purchase a beautiful memorial product to help them say goodbye

When someone loses a pet, having a special way to remember them can bring immense comfort. Memorial products, such as custom pet urns, memorial jewellery, or keepsake boxes, allow grieving pet owners to keep a tangible connection to their beloved friend.

These items offer a meaningful way to honour the memory of a pet and serve as a gentle reminder of the love they shared. Here at Gnight Fletcher, we offer a range of beautiful, thoughtfully designed memorial products that can help preserve cherished memories. Whether it’s a personalized pet urn to display in a favourite place at home, a small piece of memorial jewellery to carry with them, or any keepsake that reflects their pet’s personality, our online store has options for every need.

Help someone say goodbye to their pet with grace and comfort by choosing a memorial item that celebrates their pet’s life. Explore our collection here at Gnight Fletcher to find the perfect way to honor the memory of a beloved pet.