Losing an animal is devastating at any age, but it can be especially difficult for children. Pets are often their best friends and share an intimate space in their lives. While everyone deals with grief differently, the one thing that brings comfort for many is sharing stories and memories of their beloved pet.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s AnimalSmart
Humane Education Program offers free presentations to school and community groups in our animal centre communities for Grades 1-8, with the goal of fostering empathy, promoting responsibility and inspiring a connection with animals. During these classroom presentations, a common topic brought up by students is the loss of a furry friend.
Pet loss resources for kids
While in the classroom delivering AnimalSmart humane education presentations, we found that kids felt a natural sense of openness to be able to talk about their animals, current or past. To support presenters in fostering these discussions, we created pet loss resources for kids.
Whether it’s an aunt, babysitter, teacher, or a parent, these resources will help a child commemorate the loss of an animal.
Additional resources include a reading list of books that stimulate ideas and conversations that can help a grieving child understand their feelings, as well as activities such as a poem about crossing “over the rainbow bridge,” creating a memory box, and activities to inspire children to reflect on happy times with their beloved furry friend. The activities are designed to commemorate and honour memories and feelings shared.
The pet loss support guide is free to download at animalsmart.ca
Download the free guide today.
Having an impact on grieving hearts
The pet loss support guide has been impactful and well received by teachers and parents. Students enjoy the choices and working through the activities. It’s an important resource to have, as our furry friends are such valuable members of the family. It is hard to process the loss, and there aren’t many resources out there to guide this process.
Pet loss resources for adults
In addition to these pet loss resources for children, there is also support available for adults who are grieving the loss of a pet. Ontario Pet Loss offers an online support group to help people navigate the grieving process.
As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to offer these programs and services. Please consider donating today.
The post Helping children cope with the loss of a pet appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
