Pet Loss Resources
Losing a beloved pet is one of life's most difficult experiences. You're not alone. Here are some resources to help you through this time.
What to Do When a Pet Passes Away
Practical steps to help you through the first hours and days. There's no rush β move at your own pace.
1.Contact Your Vet
If your pet passes at home, call your vet for guidance. They can arrange collection and discuss cremation or burial options. Most clinics offer after-hours support.
2.Decide on Cremation or Burial
In New Zealand and Australia you can choose private or communal cremation through your vet, or bury your pet on your own property in most areas (check your local council rules). Some pet cremation services offer ashes returned in an urn.
3.Give Yourself Permission to Grieve
The loss of a pet is a real bereavement. Take time off work if you need to. Let family and friends know β most people understand the bond.
4.Tell Other Pets and Family Members
Other pets in the household may search for their companion. Children may need age-appropriate explanations. Being honest and gentle helps everyone adjust.
5.Create a Memorial
Gather your favourite photos and videos while they're fresh. A digital memorial lets you revisit those moments any time β and share them with others who loved your pet too.
6.Reach Out for Support
Talk to someone who understands β a friend, a support group, or one of the helplines listed below. You don't have to do this alone.
Coping with Loss
Grief is a natural response to losing someone you love. Here are some gentle reminders for the journey ahead.
Allow Yourself to Grieve
The bond with a pet is real and deep. There is no "right" way to grieve, and there is no timeline. Give yourself permission to feel.
Talk About It
Share your feelings with someone who understands β a friend, family member, or support group. Your grief is valid and worth expressing.
Create a Memorial
Honour your pet's memory in a way that feels meaningful to you. A photo gallery, a planted tree, or a memorial tag can help keep their spirit close.
Be Patient with Yourself
Grief comes in waves. Some days will be harder than others, and that's okay. Healing isn't linear β it's a journey.
Remember the Good Times
When you're ready, revisit happy memories. Look through photos, share favourite stories, and celebrate the joy your pet brought to your life.
Consider Professional Support
If grief feels overwhelming, a counsellor experienced in pet bereavement can offer tools and perspectives to help you through.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Their bright eyes are intent; their eager body quivers. Suddenly they begin to run from the group, flying over the green grass, their legs carrying them faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge togetherβ¦
β Author Unknown
Support & Helplines
Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who understands. These organisations offer compassionate support.
Pet Loss Support NZ
π³πΏ Aotearoa, New ZealandConfidential support for anyone grieving the loss of a pet. Free service run by volunteers who understand.
SPCA New Zealand
π³πΏ Aotearoa, New ZealandThe SPCA offers resources and understanding for pet bereavement. Talk to someone who cares.
Pet Loss Support Australia
π¦πΊ AustraliaA safe space to share your grief and connect with others who understand the bond between humans and animals.
RSPCA Grief Support
π¦πΊ AustraliaThe RSPCA provides compassionate support and resources for those grieving the loss of a companion animal.
Lifeline
π¦πΊπ³πΏ AU & NZFor anyone experiencing emotional distress β including grief. Available 24/7.
Recommended Reading
Books that may bring comfort and understanding during this difficult time.
The Loss of a Pet
By Wallace Sife, PhD β A compassionate guide for coping with the grief of losing a cherished animal companion.
Goodbye, Friend
By Gary Kowalski β Reflections on the bond between people and their pets, helping navigate loss with grace.
The Rainbow Bridge
By Adrian Raeside β A gentle, illustrated book about the beautiful place where our pets wait for us.
When Your Pet Dies
By Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD β Practical guidance for understanding and processing pet loss grief.
Dog Heaven / Cat Heaven
By Cynthia Rylant β Beautiful picture books for children (and adults) imagining a joyful afterlife for pets.
Create a Lasting Memorial
Honour your pet's memory with a beautiful digital memorial. Photos, videos, and messages β all in one place, accessible with a simple tap.