My mission is to ensure that all children and young people feel supported when experiencing pet loss. As a society, we need to be more aware of its impact—many children and adults feel it’s wrong to grieve for a pet. But it’s not.

Our companion animals are an important part of family life. They provide unconditional love, emotional support, physical comfort,

motivation for activity and exercise, and a daily routine as we care for them.

Pet loss and death is common, yet we often struggle to speak openly with children and young people about the emotions that come with it. Loss doesn’t just occur through death — it can also happen when a pet is rehomed due to changes in family circumstances, goes missing, or is stolen. The heartbreak of pet loss is often underestimated.

Children often have little control over decisions regarding their pet’s end of life. Adults may try to protect them from difficult choices and conversations, but this can leave children feeling confused and unprepared when a pet dies or is no longer part of their lives.

How to Support a Child Through Pet Loss:

• Be honest about what is happening, in an age-appropriate way.

• Explain what will happen next and give the child a choice in how involved they want to be—for example, being present at the end of their pet’s life or saying goodbye in their own way. 

• Help them create lasting memories of their pet in a meaningful way.

For more support, my pet loss books cover all these topics and provide practical guidance for children and adults - click here.
 

Taken from my books, click here to download Tom's Top Ten Tips to remember a beloved pet:

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Finally, did you know, you can donate my books in memory of a beloved pet and help grieving children:

Click here for more details