At a Glance
- New research shows pet death can trigger prolonged grief disorder symptoms equal to losing a human
- 7.5% of grieving owners meet clinical PGD threshold, matching sibling or close-friend loss rates
- One in five participants rated pet loss as their single most distressing bereavement
- Why it matters: Veterinarians and doctors are urged to recognize severe pet grief and refer patients for support
The death of a companion animal can spark prolonged grief disorder (PGD) symptoms indistinguishable from those experienced after losing a human loved one, according to findings released January 14 in the journal PLOS One. Researchers analyzed survey responses from 975 adults across the U.K. who had endured deaths of both pets and people, discovering that clinicians should take pet-related grief as seriously as human bereavement.
7.5 Percent Hit Clinical Threshold
Investigators found that 7.5 percent of participants who lost a pet satisfied criteria for probable PGD. That rate mirrors outcomes seen after the death of siblings or close friends, suggesting that companion-animal loss carries comparable psychological weight for a significant minority.
The study explored whether PGD-currently diagnosed only after human loss-manifests when a pet dies. Core symptoms include:
- Intense emotional pain persisting months after the death
- Difficulty accepting that the loss is permanent
- Ongoing longing or preoccupation with the deceased
Participants who experienced pet loss were 27 percent more likely to meet diagnostic requirements for PGD than those who had not faced such a loss.
Most Distressing Loss for Many
More than one in five respondents who had lost both pets and humans identified the death of an animal as the single most distressing bereavement they had ever faced. The finding challenges social narratives that often minimize or dismiss grief over animals.
Lead author Philip Hyland of Maynooth University wrote that many owners “experience intense grief following the death of their pet,” yet they also report “feelings of shame, embarrassment and isolation as a result of expressing their grief for their deceased pet.”
Social Disenfranchisement Adds Burden
Because society frequently treats pet grief as less legitimate, mourners may hide their distress or avoid seeking help. The study’s authors note this disenfranchisement can intensify symptoms, prolonging suffering.
Owners grappling with PGD after pet loss displayed the same emotional patterns documented in human bereavement:
- Recurrent intrusive thoughts about the animal
- Avoidance of places or activities that trigger memories
- Functional impairment at work or in relationships
Researchers stress that these reactions are not pathological love of animals but rather a clinically recognizable grief response deserving professional attention.
Implications for Clinicians
While the paper does not demand immediate changes to diagnostic manuals, it underscores the need for:
- Veterinarians to screen clients for severe grief reactions
- Mental-health providers to validate pet-loss stories without judgment
- Development of support resources tailored to bereaved owners
Key takeaway: When symptoms linger and disrupt daily life, clinicians should assess for PGD regardless of whether the deceased was human or animal, and they should offer evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or support groups.
Olivia M. Hartwell reported for News Of Los Angeles that recognizing pet grief as legitimate could reduce the isolation already burdened owners feel and encourage more people to seek timely help.
