What to do when someone you love loses a pet

When someone you care about loses a pet, it’s hard to know what to do. You can’t fix it. You can’t bring them back. But you can show up in small, quiet ways that remind them they’re not alone — and that their grief matters.

For many people, pets are more than animals. They’re family. They’re companions, confidants, constants. When they go, the loss can feel overwhelming.

If you’re looking for a way to support a friend or loved one during that time, here are a few thoughtful ways to help them feel seen and comforted.

Write a letter or card

A heartfelt, handwritten note might sound simple, but it means a lot. Skip the clichés and just say what you mean. Share a memory you have of their pet. Say their pet’s name. Remind them that their grief is valid and that it’s okay to feel the way they do.

Light a candle for them

A small ritual like lighting a candle can be powerful. It’s not about fixing the sadness — it’s about acknowledging it.

Send a plant or flowers

A living gift, like a pot plant or a flowering shrub, can be a gentle symbol of life and growth. Some people plant a garden in their pet’s honour, so gifting something green can feel personal and hopeful.

Give them something custom

A personalised item can bring real comfort — a keyring with their pet’s name, a photo book, or a custom ornament. These little touches help keep the memory alive in a tangible, daily way.

Commission a Hairloom Pet Portrait

If your friend has kept some of their pet’s fur, a Hairloom Pet Portrait is one of the most personal, meaningful gifts you can give. Each portrait is handmade using their pet’s actual hair — it’s part memorial, part artwork, and completely one of a kind.

It’s more than a gift. It’s a gesture that says their pet mattered. And their grief is real.

Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is sit beside someone in their sadness. You don’t need big words. Just compassion, presence, and maybe a small token of love to show you’re thinking of them — and their four-legged friend.