Do Pets Grieve After a Loss? A Pet Loss Doula Explains
Do pets actually grieve, or are they reacting to routine changes and stress in ways we don’t recognize? And how much of what we label as “grief” is really our own emotion spilling over into the way we interpret their behavior?
In this episode, Amy talks with Kate LaSalla, a pet behavior consultant, companion animal end-of-life death doula, and certified pet loss and grief companion, about what pet grief can look like, what might just be routine disruption, and what to do when your dog or cat’s behavior changes after a loss.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
- The most common behavior changes pets show after a loss, and why the relationship matters
- How human grief and anger can affect a surviving pet’s anxiety and fearfulness
- When “normal” changes become a medical concern, and when to loop in your vet
- Why “animals understand death, not disappearance,” and what that means for households with multiple pets
- What to do if you’re grieving too, but still need to support your pet’s routines and needs
CONNECT WITH KATE LASALLA
WEBSITE | Rescued By Training
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Rescued By Training blog post on pets and grieving
Advanced care directive
“When is it time to say goodbye?” download
And be sure to check out all the other fantastic posts and resources on Kate's page!
Questions or a story you want to share? Leave a voicemail at Petparenthotline.com or join the Pet Parent Hotline Insiders Group.
Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents!
Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it.
Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
Real pet parenting gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day.
Each week you'll hear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents.
No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets.
Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.
Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com
©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro
...