Children and Pet Loss

Losing a pet can be a significant and traumatic event in a child's life, and is often their first encounter with death.

While parents and family members will want to do all they can to protect and shield a child from the pain associated with losing a loved one, it is important to be open and honest about what is happening, and to let the child express their feelings.

If your pet dies suddenly you may not have time to prepare yourself or work out a strategy for telling your child, but if you plan to have your pet euthanised then it is important to plan how you will explain what is happening to your child, and give them the time to support needed to cope with the situation.

Peaceful Paws Vet will be happy to discuss your family situation and offer support and advice, but in the meantime, please download the following document which has lots of useful information for parents, as well as activities to help children understand what is happening and remember their pets.

Children and Pet Loss PDF