Dealing with the death of a dog

As a dog welfare charity, we understand the impact the loss of a dog can have and we want to help.

Vet Clinics Pain And Behaviour

Dealing with the grief of losing your dog can be very difficult and painful. Dogs Trust are here to support you in your time of grief and help you on the path to healing. We have put together a suite of information below to help dog owners cope with the loss of a faithful friend.  

A group of people walking in the forest at sunset

The Big Paws

Join The Big Paws walk to honour the memory of your beloved dog, and help dogs in need

Take a moment to reflect

Give yourself a few moments to connect with the stories of others who are feeling the loss of their precious dogs. Chef and author Clodagh McKenna has recorded a special podcast episode in which she speaks about the joy of dog ownership, as well as the grief experienced when a dog passes on.

I've always had a dog by my side, so they feel like an intricate part of me

Clodagh McKenna, Celebrity chef and dog lover

Blonde woman in white jumper sits on couch smiling at her two dogs

The Big Paws podcast

Clodagh McKenna shares her experience of grief after losing her beloved dog, Nollie.

How to talk about losing a pet

There can sometimes be a lack of validation and support in society around your grief for a dog who has died. At Dogs Trust, we understand profound impact the loss of a dog can have.  To help, we interviewed Grief Recovery Specialist, Louise Griffey. Louise talks about loss she felt when she lost her beloved dog, and how grief can impact us, and how you can support yourself during this difficult time.  

Suggested articles

Losing a dog can have a heavy emotional toll on you and your household. Here you can find resources to help you prepare to say goodbye to a beloved pet, and advice for coping with dog bereavement. 

Coping with pet grief

Coping with pet grief

Explaining dog death to children

Explaining dog death to children

Helping grieving dogs

Helping grieving dogs

Making memories with your dog

Making memories with your dog

Afterlife Admin

Afterlife Admin

Considering Euthanasia

Considering Euthanasia

Memorial dog tags

Pay tribute to the memory of your faithful friend with a Dogs Trust memorial tag

Memorial dog tags

Memorial dog tags

You can leave a lasting tribute to your best friend in our legacy garden.

If you liked this page, tell the world!

Related articles

Wills & legacies

Wills & legacies