Do Pets Grieve? Helping Your Surviving Pets After a Loss

Yes — they grieve

Studies and countless owner reports agree: surviving pets often search the house, eat less, sleep more, vocalize, or become clingy or withdrawn after a companion dies. Their world changed too.

Let them say goodbye if you can

Many veterinarians suggest allowing surviving pets to see and sniff their companion's body after passing, especially with a home euthanasia. Animals that get this chance often seem to search less afterwards.

Keep routines, add comfort

Feed, walk and play at the usual times — predictability is security. Add a little extra attention, but try not to reward anxious behavior so heavily that it becomes the new normal.

When to call the vet

If a surviving pet refuses food for more than a day or two (especially cats, who can become seriously ill from not eating), or seems deeply depressed for weeks, call your veterinarian. Grief is normal; wasting away is not.