If you’ve ever lost a beloved pet and felt like no one truly understood, you’re not alone. Grieving a pet can be one of the most isolating experiences, especially when the world around you doesn’t always recognize the depth of your loss.
As a registered and accredited clinical hypnotherapist and certified pet loss bereavement counsellor, I’ve worked with many people over the years who felt confused by the intensity of their grief. Some were surprised by how long it lingered. Others felt pressure to “move on” when they barely had the strength to get out of bed. I’ve been there too.
The Silent Grief No One Talks About
When a person dies, there’s a process. People send flowers. There’s usually a ceremony. Time off work is expected. But when we lose a pet, those same rituals are often missing — and so is the validation.
This kind of loss is often called disenfranchised grief, meaning it isn’t widely acknowledged or supported. As explained in this article from Psychology Today, society often undervalues pet loss, which can leave people feeling like they’re “grieving in silence” — unsure whether they’re allowed to hurt as deeply as they do.
What Makes Pet Loss So Hard
Our pets are with us through so much — heartbreaks, moves, illness, celebrations, routines. They often witness our most vulnerable moments, offering love and presence without judgment. So when they’re gone, it’s not just the loss of a companion. It’s the loss of comfort, stability, and even identity.
You may find yourself:
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Skipping your usual walking route to avoid reminders
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Struggling to focus, sleep, or eat
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Feeling guilty for not doing more, even when you did everything you could
These reactions are completely normal. And they’re not a sign of weakness — they’re a sign that you loved deeply.
You Deserve Space to Grieve
One of the most healing things you can do is simply allow yourself to feel what you feel. You don’t need to justify your sadness or explain your connection to others.
Some ways to support yourself through the process:
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Talk to someone who gets it. Whether it’s a friend, a support group, or a professional, don’t keep your grief bottled up.
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Create a goodbye ritual. Light a candle, write a letter, or plant a flower in their memory.
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Let your body rest. Grief can be physically draining — give yourself permission to take things slow.
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Try hypnotherapy. When the emotions feel stuck or overwhelming, hypnotherapy can offer a gentle, supportive way to move through the pain.
You’re Not Grieving “Too Much”
There’s no such thing as loving your pet “too much.” If you’re grieving a pet, your heart is doing what it needs to heal. And there’s no shame in that.
I’m here if you need someone to talk to — someone who understands how real this grief is and who’s walked that road too. Or you can try my Finding Peace After Pet Loss course here.