They were family. Your grief is real.
Counselling for the loss of a dog, cat, horse or any animal you loved, and for the quiet house they leave behind.
Written by Elza Berk, Founder & registered counsellor · ASCHP WCW/271 · 20+ years’ clinical experience · Updated 28 September 2026
A pet is there every single day. They greet you at the door, sit with you when you are sad, and love you without conditions. When they die, the loss can hit as hard as losing a person, and sometimes harder.
People around you may not understand. You might hear “it was just a dog” or feel you should be over it by now. You may be carrying guilt about a decision to put them down, or about what you think you missed.
In counselling you can grieve openly, without having to explain why it hurts. We make room for the sadness, the guilt and the love, and help you find a way to carry them.
Need help right now? If grief has brought thoughts of ending your life, please call SADAG on 0800 567 567 or Lifeline on 0861 322 322 now.
Losing a pet can bring
- Deep sadness, crying out of nowhere
- Guilt about putting them down, or “what if” thoughts
- A house that feels empty and too quiet
- Feeling silly or judged for grieving so much
- Old losses coming back to the surface
- Children struggling to understand
You don’t need a diagnosis to reach out.
Free grief support tool →How we work with you.
Permission to grieve
Your love was real, so your grief is real. No one here will say “it was just a pet”.
Guilt and decisions
Gentle space to talk about euthanasia, accidents and the questions that keep you up at night.
Remembering
Ways to honour them, help your children, and slowly let the house feel like home again.
Choose who feels right.
Omashree Balie
Specialist Wellness Counsellor
“Seeking counselling is personal, difficult, and sometimes lonely — but the results are life-changing. I aim to make that journey as comfortable as possible.”
- Couples & marriage
- Divorce
- LGBTQIA+ affirming
English · Afrikaans
Mimi Shirindza
Registered Counsellor
“Every person carries the capacity for growth and renewal. My role is to walk alongside you as you rediscover and strengthen those inherent gifts.”
- Trauma
- Grief & loss
- Couples
English · Xitsonga · isiZulu
Hèlet Boustred
Registered Psychological Counsellor
“I have a strong passion for trauma work using Somatic Experiencing — a gentle, body-oriented approach that helps release stress and restore balance from within.”
- Trauma (Somatic Experiencing)
- Anxiety & depression
- Grief & loss
Afrikaans · English
Chris Theron
Registered Counsellor
“Life teaches us to keep it together even when we’re falling apart. I believe healing starts when someone walks beside you — not ahead of you.”
- Trauma
- Anxiety & stress
- Life transitions
English · Afrikaans
Common questions
Is it normal to grieve a pet this much?
Yes. For many people a pet is their closest daily companion. Grief follows love, and it doesn’t measure who or what you lost.
I feel guilty about putting my pet down. Can counselling help?
Yes. Many people carry guilt after euthanasia, even when it was the kind choice. Talking it through can ease that weight.
How do I help my children with the loss of our pet?
Be honest in simple words, let them see you are sad too, and give them a way to say goodbye. A counsellor can guide you, or see your child.
When should I get another pet?
There is no right time. Some people are ready soon, others need longer. A new pet is not a replacement, and it is okay to wait until it feels right.
Your truth deserves to be heard.
Choose a counsellor who speaks your language and understands your world. Sessions are online, private and booked in minutes.