Life without your beloved pet may seem impossible, even after they’ve passed away. Here are some ways you can honour your pet’s life and help you and your family process the loss.

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The intense grief we feel at the loss of a pet can be paralysing the same way the loss of a close friend or family member can be. Our pets are valuable members of our families, so any feelings of sadness, guilt, anger and loneliness you’re experiencing about their death are completely normal and shouldn’t be invalidated. There are numerous things you can do in order to honour these emotions and commemorate your pet’s life.

Memorial service

Gathering close friends and family to share stories and celebrate the life of your pet can be a great way to say goodbye. It’s up to you how intimate you want the ceremony to be – some people like to invite friends from the neighbourhood or park where your pet played, while others prefer to share the moment with immediate family only. Make sure the service is held in a special place you are able to return to when you want to feel close to your pet.

If you live on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane, or nearby, Pets Eternal offer individual and dignified pet memorial services.

Photo album, scrapbook, time capsule or video

Particularly if you have children, an interactive project like creating a scrapbook can be really beneficial in them coming to terms with major loss. It also gives you something to look back on so that you can remember the great times you had with your pet.

Donation

Donating to a good cause in your pet’s name is a beautiful way to perpetuate your pet’s legacy. Some charities that do wonderful work with animals include:

Of course, there are many other organisations, and no matter which one you choose you’ll be helping other animals in your pet’s name.

Memorial symbol

Headstones or grave markers are a popular way to delineate a space that’s solely about your pet. Many pet owners find comfort in placing a headstone in their backyard so they have a place to go when they want to feel close to their pet. It’s also an option to create a living memorial in your yard, like a plant or a tree, which similarly symbolises your pet. Keep in mind, however, that it’s not legal to bury your pet in your backyard. Contact your local Greencross Vets to find out what the alternatives are.

Volunteer

If you have the time, it’s really rewarding to volunteer at your local animal shelter or pet rescue. Similar to donating, volunteering is a wonderful way to help other animals in your pet’s name.

If you have other pets, it’s likely that they will also be grieving. Read My pet is depressed. How can I cheer it up? for some advice.