If you lose a pet, it's normal to grieve. You loved and bonded with your pet, and when they're gone, you might feel lonely, sad, and even angry or guilty. This can be hard to deal with alone, but thankfully, a support group will help you process what's happened.

How a Pet Loss Support Group Can Help You

1. Manage Your Feelings

Grief is complicated, and you may not be prepared for the emotions you're feeling. You might feel guilty about how you lost a pet, especially if you had to make the decision to let them go. There may also be uncertainty if your pet ran away and you aren't sure what happened to them. A support group can help you accept all these feelings. They'll validate and normalize your experience.

2. Learn to Cope

Society doesn't have a script for when you lose a pet and you're mourning. Many people don't know what to do with themselves during this time, or they think they shouldn't feel as bad as they do, so they try to hide it.

A support group can help you find healthy coping mechanisms and give you ideas for rituals that will help you feel close to the companion you lost, like visiting a pet memorial or looking at photos.

3. Make Decisions

Not everyone who goes to a pet loss support group has already lost their furry friend. Instead, some people come to these groups when their pets are in poor health. They're looking for help deciding when is the right time to say goodbye. Others have lost pets, and want to know when it will be time to move on and perhaps get a new pet. Talking to others who share similar experiences can help you get clarity about yours and make a decision.

 

If you lose a pet, Oahu Pet Crematory will help you find information about local support groups. Based in Kailua, HI, for more than 27 years, they work with veterinarians across the island to provide cremation services within 24 hours to help owners remember their beloved pets. You can learn more about their services on their website. Have your vet contact them at (808) 371-7531 to set up a cremation.