Losing a pet can be as devastating as losing a family member. For many, pets are constant companions—offering comfort, unconditional love, and a sense of routine. If you have a friend going through this kind of loss, knowing how to show up for them makes a real difference.
Here are some thoughtful ways to support a friend who’s saying goodbye to a beloved pet.
Listen Without Trying to Fix Anything
Grief doesn’t need a solution—it needs space. Let your friend talk if they want to, or sit with them in silence if they don’t. Avoid saying things like “They’re in a better place” or “At least it was just a pet.” Stick with honest, empathetic responses like “I’m so sorry” or “That sounds really hard.”
Offer Practical Help
If your friend is going through euthanasia or has just experienced the loss, they may not have the energy to handle daily tasks. Offer to walk their other pets (if they have any), bring over a meal, or help with errands. Even small gestures like these can help ease the burden.
Respect Their Grieving Process
Everyone mourns differently. Some might want to talk about their pet constantly; others may avoid the topic altogether. Let your friend lead the way. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and it’s important to support them even weeks or months later when others may have already moved on.
Help Them Honor Their Pet’s Memory
You might suggest creating a photo album, planting a tree, or donating to an animal shelter in the pet’s name. These gestures can bring comfort and help your friend feel like their pet’s life is being remembered and valued.
Be There for the ‘What Now?’ Phase
Eventually, your friend may start wondering when—or if—they’re ready for another pet. This is a personal decision with no universal answer. You can gently be part of that conversation if they bring it up. The question of when to get a new dog after losing one often comes with guilt, hesitation, or mixed emotions. Just remind them that there’s no right or wrong time, it’s okay to wait, and it’s okay to open their heart again when it feels right.
A company named Compassionate Care has a wealth of resources to help guide pet owners through the difficult decision of saying goodbye. They offer compassionate guidance on emotional readiness, family dynamics, and how to honor the memory of a lost pet while considering welcoming a new one. Compassionate Care is a Portland-based company offering in-home pet euthanasia and pet cremation services across the metro area and beyond. Their team is available 24/7 to support families in Portland Metro and surrounding cities. They started in Oregon City with the first pet aquamation facility in the state. While Salem is a long distance from their Portland location, many families in Salem still choose Compassionate Care for end-of-life services because of their experience, compassion, and trusted reputation.
Check In Later
Grief often lingers well after the sympathy cards stop coming. Mark a calendar reminder to check in after a few weeks, on the pet’s birthday, or around the anniversary of the loss. A simple “Thinking of you today” can mean a lot.
Losing a pet is deeply personal. Your presence and empathy can help your friend feel less alone during a painful time. You don’t have to say the perfect thing—just being there matters.
