Helping Children Cope With Pet Loss

Children & Pets

It’s been a while since we posted a blog and it’s a goal of ours at Central Pet Cremations to help in as many ways as possible to add value to the pet community.

Owning a pet is a big deal, and when the time comes to say goodbye, it is a heartbreaking time for us as adults but imagine how confusing and upsetting the experience can be for a child.  Hopefully some of this information may help you or a friend or family member who has perhaps recently lost a family pet or may in the near future.

For many children they grow up with pets and it may well be the first time that they experience death and it’s important that we as the adults deal with it in the best possible way and help to teach them how to cope with loss and grief.   Here are a few tips –

1. First and foremost it’s important to remember that children love whole heartedly and deeply and that their pet may have been there for their entire life so it’s a massive deal.
2. Make sure that you are patient and be prepared for them blaming themselves or you for that matter for their pet dying.
3. You may feel like in order to protect your child that you say something like “he has went away to live somewhere else” This can potentially be very confusing and in our experience it is best to be truthful and speak in very simple language and avoid making stories up.
4. If your pet has to be euthanised then it’s important to include your child in the process and explain to them the reason they have to be put to sleep ie they may be in a lot of pain.
5. Your child(ren) may want to say goodbye in their own special way and again it’s important to try to give them the opportunity to express themselves in this way.
6. Preparing a tribute for their special pet can be a great way of remembering them.  This might be making up a photo book of all their favourite photos.  You may wish to plant a tree or have a paw print taken (this is something we offer at Central Pet Cremations.  We also have a variety of lovely memorial products and keepsakes. https://centralpetcremations-co-uk.myawesomewebsite.co.uk/memorial-shop/
7. You may want to run out and replace your family pet with a new one straight away.  From our experience it’s better to wait a little while and let things settle.  Your child might feel like they are being somewhat disloyal to their pet who has died and will likely still be grieving.

We hope this blog might help you or someone you know.  The Blue Cross offer an amazing support service for those struggling with pet bereavement. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss?gclid=Cj0KCQjwocPnBRDFARIsAJJcf94fXVToss9rJs52lM8a7LY6dejVxC8BH3NQeWOi0Aw9IvSYoW1lU3waAgweEALw_wcB

For any other queries you may have about pet cremation in Scotland and the bespoke service we provide, please find more details on our website. For testimonials from past clients and to join our pet community please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/centralpetcremations/ and Instagram @central_petcremations