5 Proven Heartwarming Tips on What to say when someone loses a pet

What to say when someone loses a pet can be really helpful during hard times.

Most of us have lost a loved one. Some of us have lost a pet. All of us know people who have been through it. 

That is because animals work as a fountain of joy to our lives, and their passing can leave a huge void behind. Most people who have pets are aware that one day they will be faced with a loss that is hard to deal with; the days after a pet’s loss are an extremely sad time. One should not forget that these animals have become a part of the family, and once they have left this world, we miss them terribly.

No matter if it is a dog, cat, horse, rabbit even an exotic species, it hurts. That is for sure.

It hurts, because for the “owners” (allow me this, although they can be considered “family), it is a member of the family. A family member that has been true, stood there most times, went with us through good and bad situations, couldn’t speak the same language, but spoke the language of the body. The pet speaks with the eyes and its brain and it is in congruency with its owner. Some pets even look their owners alike.

So the question is what to say when someone loses a pet?

You have to think about the relationship of the pet and take into account how close it was to the family so that you can console the family and show your sympathy for the death of a pet in the best way possible.

-Was it a young pet or had it been with the family for years, e.g. since the kids were in kindergarten?

-Was it a pet that was loyal to the family, slept into their home, and went on vacations with them?

-Was it a pet that had a difficult time before it passed, e.g. took medication, etc.?

The more the family has been through with the pet, the harder their goodbye and grief are.

Pet Condolences in Sympathy Notes or Cards

Taking all of the above into account you can say or write some of the following to a person or a family member that has lost their pet:

A sympathy note is always welcome. Take your time to write soothing words that let the person realize you’re considering them. Begin by recognizing the misfortune and offer your compassion. Have you known the pet, then include one of your own memories. Remember to listen when the grieving person is prepared to talk.

The following comforting words when a pet dies could work as an example:

“Dear Beth and George,

I was very sad when I found out about your loss. I know how much you’ll miss such a sweet and lovable dog. Take care and call whenever you feel the need to talk.

Love,

Martha and Bernie”

Other Pet Condolences Card Ideas

Other ideas for making condolences card for the death of a pet could be:

-Thinking about [pet’s name] and you. Just let me know if there is anything you need.

-They can never be kept long enough! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

-During this difficult time my dearest wishes for comfort and peace.

-I am so sorry for your loss. [Pet’s name] will be greatly missed.

-[Pet’s name] was such a great [dog/cat/etc.]. He/she was lucky to have chosen you as his family.

-I’m thinking about you. Feel free to call me if you’d like to talk. Having such an important loss is never easy for a family.

-I know you miss [pet’s name] terribly. I’m thinking about you. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult moment.

-You and [pet’s name] were so lucky to have found each other. He/she will be greatly missed.

Other Ways to Show Support

Let’s take a look at some other ways in which you can show your sympathy to a family that lost its pet.

• You can send a gift in memory of the lost pet. This could be a personalized wind chime, jewelery, or even a garden stone with the pets’ name engraved or a pet urn that has the pet’s name on it.
• You can send them some flowers or a plant
• You can make a donation in the pet’s name to an organization that takes care of pets or animals or to an animal shelter.

What not to say at the loss of a pet

Although some of the above might sound easy to think of, we should always take into account some things that are better left unsaid. These include lines like the following:

• “He/She is in a better place.” There will be no better place for the family and owners of the pet than them.
• “So, when are you getting another one?” An upsetting gesture, because you’re stating that pets are interchangeable. A lot of people raise their pets as if they were their own children.
• “You didn’t even like that [animal type goes here]” Even if the owner complained about the pet, they might be still sad about their loss.
• “Get over it. It was just a [animal type goes here].” A named and cared for pet means that there is a strong connection and bond with the owner. One who says such a thing might be considered heartless and the deceased pet’s owner will put them in a blacklist if they hear such a thing.
• “[It] was really old/sick so it’s probably for the best.” Before saying this, think if you would say this for humans. It might be true due to health issues and very difficult time for the pet owner and the pet, remaining silent would be a better option than saying anything close to this.

Whatever you finally choose to do, always remember to offer your sympathy and support to someone who has lost his pet. Not much needs to be said and done, but kind words and actions showing that you care about the pet owner and family, as well as their feelings, will always be welcome. If you are close to them you can also express your condolences using some of our Lost  Pet Quotes.