JSPCA PET BEREAVEMENT FACT SHEET

Coping with the loss of a pet

The loss of an animal companion, whether due to death, being lost or stolen, or placement in a new home, can be a very sad and difficult experience. For many, such a loss is as traumatic as losing a family member or a dear friend and can trigger an intense grieving process.  Life, that featured the loving friendship of a pet, may suddenly seem very empty.  However, the life you shared with your pet can be remembered through the thoughts and memories of your pet's life.

Grieving for a loved animal is a natural and normal reaction and will vary from person to person. 

Shock, denial and feelings of anger, guilt and despair are frequently felt upon learning that a pet is terminally ill, injured or has died; these feelings may last minutes to weeks. Typically there is a sense of numbness, disorientation or unreality. Whilst we struggle to come to terms with the reality of the loss, many individuals will experience intense grief and periods of exhaustion.  

The feelings of despair, loneliness and even depression can be overwhelming.  There may also be a strong sense of guilt and self-doubt, particularly when a decision has been taken to euthanase a pet.  These feelings are normal and a testimony to the special bond between people and their pets.  Unfortunately, not everyone understands this grief; it can be a very lonely experience.  However, it is important to acknowledge the feelings that may be experienced and hence to grieve.

Supporting pet owners:

Losing a pet of any kind can be very painful and sometimes it helps to share these feelings with someone who knows from personal experience how distressing the loss of a pet can be and who will listen with compassion and without judgement.  The Pet Bereavement Support Service is a telephone helpline that offers such support, through a national network of trained volunteers.

The Pet Bereavement Support Service was launched in 1994 and has helped over 4000 pet owners of all ages and from all walks of life.  The Support Service telephones are manned by volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who have completed a six month supervised correspondence training programme.  They offer a listening ear and give time, patience and encouragement to bereaved pet owners as they work through their loss; every telephone call is treated with sensitivity and compassion.

For further information about the Pet Bereavement Support Service visit the website at www.bluecross.org.uk or telephone: 01993 825539.  The helpline is open 7 days a week between 8.30am - 8.30pm, with an answer phone outside these hours.  To make contact with your local Pet Bereavement volunteer, call the freephone number: 0800 096 6606, and a coordinator will give out the relevant contact details.  All calls are charged at local rates wherever possible and are treated confidentially.

The JSPCA Animals’ Shelter understands and respects the special relationship that develops between people and their pets.  On contacting the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter, bereaved owners will find a sympathetic ear and can be reassured that their pet will be treated with the utmost dignity and care.  The JSPCA Animals’ Shelter offers a Pet Cremation Service and owns and runs the Animals’ Cemetery at First Tower.

 

JSPCA working to

“prevent cruelty, promote knowledge, provide for aged, sick, lost and unwanted animals.”

 

Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Inc.)

Founded 1868 – Incorporated 1936

89 St Saviour’s Road, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4GJ         

Tel: 01534 724331          Fax: 01534 871797

E-mail: info@jspca.org.je          Website: www.jspca.org.je

 

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