ABSTRACT
Human beings grow attached to a wide range of animals, including many that are not personal pets. When they are separated from them, they feel emotions from mild sadness to deep grief. Factors that influence the reaction include the reason for the separation, e.g., illness, behavior issues, retirement of service or working animal, or destruction of habitat, as well as a person’s history and personal characteristics. Most grief from animal loss resolves with social support, including dedicated pet loss groups or online forums where the mourner can share the experience with other pet lovers. If grief does not resolve, one can seek help with a mental health professional who is empathetic to human-animal bonds and able to explore other underlying issues.
