The Hidden Pain of Losing a Beloved Pet
The pain of losing a beloved pet often surpasses what others can imagine. Recent research shows that the grief caused by a pet's death can be just as profound as losing a family member for some owners — and in certain cases, it may even develop into a clinical condition known as prolonged grief disorder.
Pets play an irreplaceable role in many people's lives. They offer unconditional love, companionship, and daily comfort that becomes woven into one's emotional fabric. When that presence suddenly disappears, the sense of loss can create an emptiness that words fail to describe.
Experts emphasize that this grief is not a sign of weakness or overreaction. Instead, it reflects the depth of connection humans can form with their animals. Recognizing and validating these feelings is an important step toward healing.
For grieving pet owners, support groups, memorial rituals, and open conversations about pet loss can provide comfort and understanding. Mental health professionals also suggest seeking help if sadness persists for months or interferes with daily life — as unresolved grief deserves compassion, not silence.
Losing a Pet Can Trigger Prolonged Grief Disorder, Study Finds
A study published on January 14 in the journal PLOS One explored whether the death of a beloved pet could cause symptoms of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). The research team surveyed 975 adults in the United Kingdom, comparing their emotional responses to the loss of a family member or a pet.
The results revealed that more than one in five respondents who had lost a pet described the experience as the most painful farewell of their lives—sometimes even more heartbreaking than the death of a human relative or friend. Data further showed that 7.5% of those who had lost a pet met the diagnostic criteria for possible PGD, a rate similar to that observed among people mourning the loss of siblings or close friends. Compared to individuals who had never lost a pet, those who had experienced pet loss were about 27% more likely to exhibit PGD symptoms.
Lead author Philip Hyland, a researcher at Maynooth University in Ireland, noted that many pet owners endure intense and long-lasting grief after their pet's death. However, social expectations often discourage them from expressing such strong emotions, leaving them feeling ashamed, embarrassed, or compelled to grieve in isolation.
The research team emphasized that their findings are not meant to immediately alter psychiatric diagnostic criteria, but rather to highlight an important clinical consideration. They urged that mental health professionals take pet loss seriously and offer appropriate psychological support—especially when grief persists for an extended period or begins to disrupt daily life.
