01/30/2026
Last night, one of our interns had the opportunity to attend a webinar entitled Understanding Pet Loss & Grief: Honouring the bond. Supporting the grief hosted by the British Columbia Bereavement Helpline, facilitated by Dawn Campbell, RSW.
Participants explored the many forms pet loss can take — from the distress of needing to euthanize a beloved animal, to the pain of long-term chronic illness, or even the heartbreak of having to give a pet up due to financial or housing challenges. Each experience carries its own unique and valid grief.
"One part of the webinar that resonated deeply with me was the discussion of how pet loss affects the brain. Neurologically, the brain does not distinguish between the loss of a human and that of an animal; it recognizes attachment and connection. When that bond is broken, stress hormones increase, and grief is experienced at a physiological level. I appreciated this perspective because it validates what many people dismiss: the loss of an animal companion is real, embodied, and deeply felt. It is not “less than” other forms of loss.
We also discussed several models of grief. Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief reminded us that grief is not linear, but filled with ups and downs, daily wins and losses. Continuing Bonds Theory (Klass, Silverman, & Nickman) emphasizes maintaining an ongoing internal relationship with the one who has passed — that the relationship changes but does not disappear. Worden’s Tasks of Mourning particularly resonated with me: these acts can help make meaning of the loss and continue to honour the bond.
Overall, this was a powerful and affirming webinar. Companion animal loss affects many, and having the knowledge and tools to support clients through this type of grief feels incredibly important."
The webinar also shared information about a support group for those navigating pet loss:
