ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the relatively under-investigated topic of pet loss as a cultural phenomenon. It explores some of the research about pet loss across cultures with attention to how such knowledge can help us work effectively with a diversity of clients. The chapter argues that clinical professionals must take the duty seriously to provide culturally competent and culturally humble practice in regard to pet loss, particularly since so little is currently known about the myriad of ways pet loss is experienced. It also argues that in order to practice culturally competent and humble mental health care, it must contextualizes contemporary, middle-class US beliefs and practices surrounding pet-related grief and mourning as culturally-based rather than universally normative. When clients do not find cultural recognition of their grief or community support for their mourning practices, psychotherapy may be a unique space in which to make peace with the loss of a pet.
