Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a pet. Coping with pet loss is a very personal experience with a unique set of emotions to deal with. While many of us try to ignore the pain by keeping busy, it’s important to allow ourselves to experience pain and sorrow.

Here are a few ways people find it a little easier when grieving a pet.

4 Ways to Cope with Pet Grief

1. Talk through your pet grief
Find someone you feel comfortable talking at length with about your pet. Sharing your true feelings, funny stories, experiences and photos, which can keep their memory alive.  

2. Address any feelings of guilt 
We all hope our pets will pass away peacefully in their sleep, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes it’s an accident or disease. Often, pet owners wind up facing a decision about euthanasia and struggle with guilt about making that choice. Instead of seeing it as ending your pet’s life, view it as a gift that spares them from suffering. This truly helps ease your mind when grieving a pet.

3. Memorialize your pet
There are many ways to honor your pet in a meaningful way. For instance, companies like Huggs To Go design dolls that allow you to showcase a photo of your pet to help you remember them. They’re a huggable reminder of your furry loved one that you can take anywhere you want.  

4. Take your time. 
Remember to go at your own pace. Deal with your pet grief as long as you need to, and don’t feel rushed to get over it. If you have lingering questions or doubts about how your pet died, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Don’t leave yourself wondering and worrying.

Coping with pet loss is an individual process and we all find comfort in different things. If you can’t bear to get rid of the litter box or the leash hanging up beside the door, then don’t. It will get easier with time and you’ll find the right moment to make changes.