Grief and bereavement issues and the loss of a companion animal: People living with a companion animal, owners of livestock, and animal support workers

Abstract

Companion animals play various roles in people's lives and these roles can impact on loss, grief, bereavement and mourning when the animal has been lost, whether that is through death, when missing, or when relinquished. This paper considers not only companion animal owners, but also those who own farm animals and those who work in animal service occupations. The focus is on adult clients, not children. Practical strategies are offered for the counsellor who is working with a bereaved pet owner, farmer, and service provider.

Keywords:

• bereavement
• grief counselling
• human–animal bond

Acknowledgements

This paper is based on a teaching session in the Discipline of General Practice Grief and Palliative Care Counselling Course at the University of Adelaide, delivered in 2009.