FAQ's

What is a pet bereavement counsellor? 

A pet bereavement counsellor is someone who supports pet carers through the loss of a companion animal. 

How does pet bereavement counsellor differ from any other kind of counsellor? 

A pet bereavement counsellor specialises in the loss of a companion animal. 

How does pet bereavement counselling differ from any other kind of counselling? 

A pet bereavement counsellor has specialist knowledge relating to the loss or death of a companion animal. Their knowledge and understanding allows them to support a pet carer pre, during, and post the loss of a companion animal.  

What qualifications does a pet bereavement counsellor have?  

The majority of counsellors who specialise in pet bereavement will have a minimum qualification of a diploma in pet bereavement, whilst many of our accredited members have an advanced diploma in pet bereavement counselling.  

Do all pet bereavement counsellors have a degree in counselling? 

No, nor is it necessary to have a degree in counselling in order to excel in pet bereavement counselling. Whilst grief can and does affect our mental health, it does not mean that a grieving pet carer has a mental illness, and many of the skills and attributes of being a good pet bereavement counsellor simply cannot be taught in a classroom. 

What can I expect from a pet bereavement counselling service? 

Pet bereavement counsellors will help guide you through your bereavement. They are not going to analyse your intellect and they will not judge you. They are not going to take away your pain, but they will walk beside you as you navigate through grief. They will validate your loss, they will reassure you, and they will empathise and motivate you. They have knowledge of aftercare options and can guide you step by step through the process should you wish to know. You are not committed to attending weekly sessions, many pet carers only require one or two hour sessions with a pet bereavement counsellor, nor will you be given homework to complete between sessions.   

What if the pet bereavement counsellor cannot help me?  

There are times when a pet bereavement counsellor will identify that a pet owner may need more specialist help, for example for those pet carers who are suffering from depression not related to grief, anxiety, or severe suicidal ideation. In such cases the pet bereavement counsellor will suggest you speak with your own doctor in the first instance, who can also refer you for more structured counselling to help with specific issues or to provide you with an emergency telephone number in order to get the specific support required.  

Will a pet bereavement counsellor take my pain away? 

A pet bereavement counsellor cannot take away pain, but they can help ease your pain by actively listening to you, validating your feelings, empathising, and reframing negative thoughts and motivation. Ultimately, the responsibility for a good recovery lies with the pet carer; a pet bereavement counsellor can offer support and guidance, but it is up to the individual whether or not they decide to accept that help. 

How can a pet bereavement counsellor understand the pain of pet loss? 

In order to be an accredited member of the Association, all our pet bereavement counsellors have experienced the loss of at least one companion animal that they were the sole carer for. They will understand what it is like to have to make the decision to end their pets life and the roller coaster of emotions pre, during and post the death of a companion animal. accredited counsellors are not just highly qualified in the theory of loss/death; they have first-hand experience of the pain associated with loss.

My pet has gone missing, can a pet bereavement counsellor help? 

Yes, a pet bereavement counsellor can help guide you with regard to specialist search and rescue teams and provide emotional support.  

How long after my companion has died should I seek counselling?  

There is no right or wrong time to contact a pet bereavement counsellor. Most pet carers contact a pet bereavement counsellor two or three weeks after their pet has died. 

What information do I need to provide before speaking to a pet bereavement counsellor?  

This will vary depending on the pet bereavement counsellor you choose. An experienced pet bereavement counsellor only requires minimum information for example the pet’s name and a brief description of the reason for the session before speaking to a client. 

Can I speak to the same counsellor if I need more than one session?  

It is vitally important to find this out prior to booking a session, so that the pet carer does not end up having to repeat their story to a different counsellor every time they require a follow-up consultation. accredited counsellors will remain with their client, ensuring continuity through the process.

These are the most common reasons a pet carer will seek advice from a pet bereavement counsellor. An accredited member can help you with any of these questions.  

• Feeling unprepared for the impact and overwhelming emotions of their loss. 
• They have come to terms with their loss but are struggling with loneliness and isolation. 
• For advice on how to help a child through the loss of a pet. 
• Traumatic grief from the circumstances surrounding the loss. 
• For advice before euthanasia because of uncertainty about what the process involves. 
• To find out when the time is right to euthanise their companion. 
• Feeling guilty over making the decision to euthanise. 
• For advice on how a surviving bonded pet will cope.   
• For advice on how long it will take for their pet’s ashes to be returned. 
• For advice on what to do with their pet’s personal belongings. 
• They are concerned about how they will transport their giant breed dog to the veterinary surgery. 
• A belief that their own actions resulted in the death of their companion animal. 
• For advice on how to complain about their veterinary surgeon. 
• For advice on where they can bury their companion. 
• To find out whether their beloved companion can be cremated with its favourite toy.