Remembering a beloved pet

Please know that it’s okay to grieve deeply. The pain you feel is a reflection of the love you gave and received in return. There is no need to rush this process or to minimise your feelings. Grief is a natural part of loving so deeply, and healing will come in its own time.

It’s also okay to remember your pet. To talk about their quirks, their favourite spot to nap in the sun, or the way they greeted you at the door. These memories keep their spirit close and can bring moments of warmth even on the hardest days.

The bond between people and animals is profound, built on trust, companionship, and pure love. When that bond is broken by loss, it takes time to adjust to a world that feels suddenly emptier. As you move through your grief, try to be patient and gentle with yourself.

• Allow yourself to feel. There is no “right” way to grieve. Whether you cry, talk, write, or sit quietly with your thoughts, your feelings are valid.
• Be kind to yourself. Healing is rarely a linear process. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s perfectly normal.
• Seek comfort when you need it. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can lighten the load.
• Include your tamariki. Children form strong bonds with their pets too, and they may need gentle support to understand and express their sadness.

Grief can sometimes make the world feel smaller, and like no one else could possibly understand what you’re feeling. But many others have stood in the same space of love and loss. You are not alone in your sadness, and you don’t have to carry it by yourself.

Reach out to those who can listen with empathy and without judgement. Sharing your story can be a powerful step toward healing. Sometimes, just saying your pet’s name out loud and hearing someone else remember them too can bring unexpected comfort.

You might also find solace in joining a support group, either in person or online, where people come together to honour their pets and share their experiences. Speaking with a counsellor or grief specialist can also help if your emotions feel too overwhelming to manage on your own.

If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to our friends at the Grief Centre. Their caring team offers understanding, resources, and guidance to help you through this time.

Over time, the sharpness of grief will begin to soften, and memories of your pet will bring more smiles than tears. Finding ways to honour and celebrate their life can help with that transition, transforming your sorrow into a lasting tribute of love.

There’s no single way to honour a beloved companion; it’s all about what feels meaningful to you. Some find comfort in creative expression, others in acts of kindness or quiet reflection.

• Create a memorial space – a small corner of your home or garden with a photo, candle, or keepsake.
• Commission a painting, sketch, or digital portrait.
• Plant a tree, flower, or garden in their memory – a living tribute that will continue to grow and bloom.
• Make a memory box or scrapbook filled with their collar, favourite toy, photos, or written memories of their life.
• Wear a keepsake such as jewellery engraved with their name or pawprint.
• Hold a small gathering or ceremony with those who loved your pet, sharing stories and moments that celebrate their life.
• Give in their name – supporting other animals in need through a SPCA In Memory gift can be a beautiful way to continue your pet’s legacy of love and care.

Though your beloved pet may no longer walk beside you, the bond you shared will always be part of you. Love like yours doesn’t end – it simply changes form. You may see reminders of them in unexpected places: a familiar sound, a gentle breeze, or the warmth of another animal’s affection.

In time, these reminders will bring more comfort than pain. They will remind you of how lucky you were to have known such unconditional love, and how that love continues to shape your heart.

At SPCA, we hold space for your grief, memories, and love for your pet. Every animal leaves pawprints that never fade and every person who has loved and lost a pet carries those prints with them, always.

There’s no timeline for grief. Some people wait years to get a new pet, while others get one much sooner. Think about your emotions, your lifestyle and any other pets you have. If you do feel ready, consider giving a home to a rescue animal. Every adoption gives an animal in need a second chance at happiness.