Sympathy gifts for pet owners

Pets are loved members of many families and it is common and natural for pet owners to experience grief and bereavement after the death of a pet, whether the pet loss was sudden and unexpected, or the pet was put to sleep due to illness.

What do I say to someone when their pet dies?

Everyone is different, so take your cues from your friend. Simply acknowledge their loss, for example by saying "I'm sorry to hear about (your pet)". If you ask follow-up questions, asking them how they're feeling or how other members of the family such as children are coping, you can get an indication of what kind of support they need.

Trying to cheer up your friend with platitudes like "at least he (or she) didn't suffer" or "he (or she) had a good life" can sound hollow to someone who has lost a pet. It's natural to want to comfort someone and encourage them to look on the bright side, but grief at the loss of a loved family pet takes time.

What can I get for someone when their pet dies?

A card and a bunch of flowers is a nice gesture to acknowledge their loss.

In addition, lasting pet mementoes and memorials are available.

• Find unique and meaningful pet sympathy gifts at The Comfort Company - including garden memorials, picture frames, and pet cremation urns. Many gifts can be personalized with the name or a special photo of the pet. See some examples of pet loss gifts below, or browse all pet sympathy gifts.

	Small River Rock Pet Loss Memorial Garden Stone with Image	Rainbow Bridge Pewter Pet Photo Ornament	Pet Memorial Frame

• Cookie bouquets tell your friend you're thinking of them and provide sweet comfort.
   
• Browse other pages on this site, such as tree and plant memorials, for more options that are suitable for pet loss.

How can I help my friend grieve for her pet?

Grief is individual and takes time, but pet bereavement is a common experience and there are lots of resources around.

• Browse Amazon.com's bestselling books on Pet Loss.
• See below for some of our recommendations.