Loss of a pet
Death, grief, saying goodbye
For many kids, this is their first experience with death. The hamster, the goldfish, the dog who was there their whole life - the grief is real and deserves to be treated that way.
What to Know
For many kids, losing a pet is their first experience with death. The grief is real and deserves to be treated that way — not minimized because "it was just a hamster" or rushed through because adults are uncomfortable with children's sadness.
Kids grieve differently than adults. They may seem fine one moment and devastated the next. They may ask questions that seem inappropriate or matter-of-fact. They may want to talk about it constantly or not at all. All of these responses are normal.
What helps: honest, simple explanations appropriate to age; permission to feel sad for as long as they need; rituals like a burial or memorial; and being available for questions as they arise. Avoid euphemisms that create confusion ("went to sleep," "went away").
Signs to Watch
- •Prolonged grief that interferes with daily life
- •Intense fear about other loved ones dying
- •Refusing to talk about the pet or pretending it didn't happen
- •Guilt or self-blame for the death
- •Changes in sleep, appetite, or mood
- •Regression in behavior or skills
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