Your Guide to Funeral Planning | 02.24.2023

What To Say When Someone Loses Their Pet?

What To Say When Someone Loses Their Pet?

Reviewed By: Scott Ginsberg

Cross Checked By: Joshua Siegel

Know A Grieving Pet Owner? Here’s What You Can Say Or Do To Help

The death of a pet is a massive loss, and in times of tragedy like this, people tend to turn to their friends or family for support. If you know a friend or someone in your family who is grieving the loss of a pet, it is important to have the right words of sympathy and offer condolences in a comforting manner. While this cannot reverse the loss, it can certainly help your friend or family member find some solace during such a trying time in their life. 

Even if the grieving pet owner is not sure how to get over the loss of a pet, your support can help them and offer them a shoulder to cry on or to recount their favorite memories with their pet. You can also help the bereaved person plan a funeral for their pet to give their dear departed animal companion a beautiful farewell.  

Comforting Words Of Support To Offer Condolences When Someone Loses A Pet

In case you are not sure about what to say to a grieving pet owner, it helps to have some idea of how to open a conversation and offer comfort. So, here are some things you can say when someone has lost their pet and is in need of a shoulder to lean on. 

  • “I’m sorry for your loss”
  • This is a simple thing to say, but it could mean so much to the person who is grieving the loss of a pet. It lets them know that you are thinking about them during a tough time, and that you are there for them in case they need someone to reach out to. It also opens up the conversation and allows them to share what they are feeling, in case they are ready to open up and discuss their loss. 

  • “I’m not really sure what to say, but I’m here for you if you need me.”
  • Saying this really captures what you are feeling, while still giving the grieving person the freedom to open up at a pace that is convenient for them. It lets them know that no matter how long it takes for them to feel ready to discuss the memories of their pet and the loss they have suffered, you will always be there to lend them an ear and give them the support they need. Sometimes, this is all a bereaved person could be looking for. 

  • “Let me help you plan your pet’s funeral.”
  • This statement is more proactive and may be a good thing to say if you know the grieving pet owner well enough. For instance, if it’s a close friend or a sibling that you are comforting, this could be really helpful to them during such a trying time. Instead of waiting for them to reach out to you, you could take the first step and handle the essentials like contacting a pet funeral services provider and making the necessary arrangements to lay the animal to rest. 

  • “I remember when..”
  • Sharing a fond memory of the departed pet is another wonderful way to extend support to someone who recently lost their animal companion. If the memories were happy ones (as most memories that pets leave behind are), it could even bring some much-needed laughter to the grieving pet owner. This will also shift their perspective, even if only for a while, to celebrating the memory of their pet rather than mourning it. 

  • “Look at this picture I found.”
  • If you have a picture or two of the pet that the pet parent doesn’t have, this might be a great time to share it with them. Looking at old photos of the animal could bring some lightness to an otherwise heavy moment. It could also help the person who has lost their pet share some laughs with you and remember their pet fondly. 

    Sometimes, Simply Being There For A Grieving Pet Parent Is All That Matters

    While it always helps to have the right things to say, sometimes, you only need to be there for the bereaved person. Sitting in silence and looking at old photos of the departed animal can often be more supportive than all the words of condolences you can offer. So, stick around for a few days if you can and help your grieving friend or relative get back on their feet after the loss of a pet. 

    You can also help them plan the funeral ceremony for their pet by connecting them with a pet funeral services provider you may know. Alternatively, you could also help them shop around for the essentials like a pet urn or a pet casket. In case you are looking for the latter, we at Titan Casket can help you out. You can find a wide range of durable steel pet caskets on our online store. Created from the best-in-class materials and made with excellent craftsmanship, our pet caskets come in different sizes and colors, so you help your friend or relative give their pet a fitting and comfortable final resting place.