What to say when someone loses a pet

Simple things to say

• "I'm so sorry about [name]. I know how much you loved them."
• "[Name] was lucky to have you."
• "I'll always remember [a specific memory]."
• "Thinking of you. No need to reply."
• "Do you want to tell me about them?"

For a sympathy card

• "Sending love as you remember [name]. They had the best life with you."
• "There's a quiet in the house that [name] used to fill. Thinking of you."
• "[Name] was family. I'm so sorry."

What to avoid

• "At least they had a long life." It shrinks the loss.
• "You can always get another one." Pets aren't replaceable.
• "It was just a dog." Never, even as comfort.
• Detailed questions about how they died, unless they bring it up.

After the first week

Most messages arrive in the first few days and then stop. A note a few weeks later, or on the pet's birthday or adoption day, can mean even more. Some people find comfort in a keepsake; see our pet memorial gift ideas.