What to Say When a Friend Loses a Pet
The whole job here is to treat it as a real loss without being asked to. Most people brace for it to be minimised, so simply not minimising it is a kindness.
What to say
- 1
I am so sorry about Bramble.
- 2
Fourteen years is a long time. Of course you are wrecked.
- 3
He was a proper part of your family and I am sorry.
- 4
I am sorry. That house is going to be very quiet.
- 5
You gave her a very good life. I watched you do it.
- 6
Take today off if you can. This is a real thing.
If they had to make the decision
People carry enormous guilt about choosing the day. Address it directly.
- 7
You made the kind decision, not the easy one.
- 8
You spared him the worst week. That was the last thing you could do for him and you did it.
- 9
It was the right call and I am sorry you had to be the one to make it.
A little later
- 10
Still miss seeing him at the window.
- 11
Tell me the worst thing he ever ate.
- 12
Thinking of you both this week.
Questions people actually ask
Is it appropriate to send a sympathy card for a pet?
Yes, and it is remembered. Pet loss is routinely minimised, so a card that treats it as a genuine loss stands out for the right reason.