Sadly, many of us will experience the death of a pet. The grief that follows, while often intense, is not always acknowledged by friends and family. While no two people grieve in the same way, there are stages of grief you are likely to experience, including shock, denial, anger, depression, and acceptance.
Support is needed, either by talking with understanding friends, a support group, or counselor.
Many state or local veterinary medical associations, US veterinary schools, and humane organizations offer pet loss counseling. When you face the loss of your pet or must decide whether to euthanize your pet, ask your veterinarian for information on support groups or pet loss hotlines. Look at your local library or ask your veterinarian for recommendations on books to help you process your grief. Writing down the story of your pet's life can help you celebrate the time you had together. If you have children, let them draw pictures of your pet or paste photos in the book.