Pet loss support

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We support and work with Blue Cross who for over 30 years have been there to help people cope with the loss of a pet. 

• You can call Blue Cross free on 0800 096 6606 if you'd like to talk. They are available between 8.30am and 8.30pm every day. Due to the nature of the helpline and to keep your call confidential, they are unable to call you and cannot see your phone number if you call.
• Or you can email plsmail@bluecross.org.uk and they’ll respond within 48 hours.

Like us, pets also show signs that could be interpreted as grief when an owner or fellow pet passes away. Behaviours can vary, but may include crying, searching for their friend or loss of appetite.

There are lots of things you can do to help remember your pet. You could:

• As part of our service we offer free fur clipping and paw print of your pet. 
• We offer a wide range of urns and keepsakes to remember your pet by.
• Put a message in our memorial book which will appear on our website and social media channels.
• Make a scrapbook of memories.
• Set up a little shrine in the corner of a room with a photo of them, their collar and a candle
• Write a goodbye letter and have it cremated with them.
• Write a poem or short story talking about your life with them
• Share your loss with others who have been through it

Our pets are trusted companions and beloved members of the family, so it's completely natural to feel upset. When you arrive back home, your house might feel emptier than usual. It'll be hard at first but take each day as it comes, try to treasure your memories and talk to family and friends about it.

Try not to feel embarrassed about showing your emotions. It takes time to get over the loss of a loved one, and, although reactions differ, you will often feel a mixture of things, such as:

• sadness
• loneliness
• anger
• guilt
• doubt

Though it's natural, try not to feel guilty or blame yourself – the decision for euthanasia is taken with your dog's best interests at heart to avoid them suffering.

For children it can be especially upsetting as it may be their first experience of death. Children need support even if they are not outwardly upset. Talk to them honestly about what is happening and, as far as possible, involve them in the decision making.