ABSTRACT
This chapter utilizes a broad definition of the word “pet” to include any non-human animal that is cared for by a human. A growing awareness of how pets impact child development has resulted in millions of children living with pets and thereby dealing with challenges inherent in pet ownership. Children in the developmental stage of early adolescence deal with several emerging, evolving, and new challenges and pets can help in navigating some of the trials. One of the many factors to consider when working with people who are experiencing grief over the loss of a pet is the manner in which the pet died. Grief is a normative experience and should be considered a typical and expected behavior. Assist the adolescent with preparing for events that may trigger emotions associated with the loss of a pet.
