A toddler in a yellow shirt hugging an older tan dog on a porch with greenery in the background.

For many families, the loss of their pet is a child’s first experience with death. Our approach during this time can have a big impact on their grief journey.

Here are some tips for how you can help your children prepare for euthanasia and discuss their grief after the loss of your family pet, based on research as well as my own experience helping many families through this transition.

Use familiar words to explain what is happening with your pet. When we use euphemisms like “Fluffy is going away,” it can be unclear and confusing for children.

Allow your children to feel their feelings. Name, and normalize their feelings and tell them about your own feelings. “It’s okay to feel sad, we’re going to miss ‘Fluffy.’”

Think of ways to memorialize your pet together, with pictures, a flower, or note. These objects could be sent to cremation or buried with their pet.

Several children’s books are listed on the resources page. Additional resources for children:

  • “My Pet Died” coloring book- www.centerforloss.com

  • Mister Rogers, Episode 1101

  • Sesame Street - Farewell Mr. Hooper

  • Podcasts:

    • “Helping your Child Grieve the Loss of a Pet with Sissy Goff” on Raising Mentally Healthy Kids with Michelle Nietert

    • “Navigating Grief of Pet Loss with Children” by Pooch Parenting