Dealing with the Loss of a Pet: Pet Grief Counseling Having a pet can enhance your life in numerous ways. Studies have shown there are health benefits from playing with your dog, petting a purring cat, or quietly contemplating the fish in an aquarium, and having the close, loving companionship of a favorite pet brings joy to even an ordinary day. Unfortunately, our pets live for only a fraction of the time we do, which means that every loving pet owner at some point will face losing their beloved companion. What should you do if you are having a difficult time coping with the loss of your pet? How do you know when it’s time to find someone with a grief counseling certification to help you deal with your loss? Remember: Grief Is Normal People who don’t have pets of their own or who aren’t particularly attached to the animals in their lives often dismiss the very real grief that pet owners feel upon the death of a pet, which is why it’s important to remind yourself that your feelings are valid. Research has shown that the grieving process people go through after a pet dies is very similar to the grief they experience after the loss of a family member or close friend. Not only has the American Veterinary Medical Association established policies regarding pet loss support services, but there are accredited pet- loss grief recovery specialist certifications for counseling professionals. Professionals with bereavement certification emphasize that grief is a process. Try to remember: ● Grief passes gradually. You can’t just set a deadline and be done with it, or flip a switch and no longer hurt. It will take time, so be patient with yourself. ● Talk to those who understand, and ignore the comments of those who don’t. You are not obligated to defend your feelings to people who dismiss your grief because it’s “just a dog” or “just a cat.” Instead, seek out family, friends, or even people online who understand. ● Ignoring your feelings doesn’t make them go away. To truly heal, you will need to face your feelings and work through them; otherwise the pain you suppress will keep resurfacing. Turning to Counselors with Pet-Loss Grief Recovery Specialist Certifications How do you know you need the help of a professional with grief counseling certification? The short answer is that if you are having trouble functioning normally in your daily life, you may benefit from working with a pet-loss counselor. Some people seem to get stuck in their grief to the point where it develops into clinical depression. Professionals with bereavement certification suggest you seek assistance if you notice any of the following: ● Weight loss or gain ● Feelings of hopelessness ● Persistent lack of energy ● Changes in sleep habits, either sleeping much more or much less than normal ● Trouble making decisions, paying attention, or completing tasks ● Losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed

● Avoiding contact with friends or family members ● Thoughts of suicide or death What a Therapist with Bereavement Certification Offers Often, people who have lost a pet feel they can be more open about their fear, loss and anger with a professional than they can with loved ones, because they don’t have to worry about how their emotions will make others feel. It’s also common for friends and family to offer what they consider to be helpful advice, such as finding activities to occupy your time, or adopting a new pet to “replace” the one you lost, but counselors with pet-loss grief recovery specialist certifications, such as those in the American Institute of Health Care Professionals, will instead help you find your own way. And let’s face it: Sometimes it’s easier to hear constructive feedback from an “outsider” rather than a friend or family member. Going to a pet-loss grief therapist allows your loved ones to simply offer support, because you have a professional to ask for advice.American Institute of Health Care Professionals Hopefully you will be able to enjoy every day you have with your beloved pet, but when their time comes, you don’t have to struggle alone. There are support groups and professionals with bereavement certifications who can help you through your grieving process.