A Literature Review: Pet Bereavement and Coping Mechanisms

References

• Adams, C. L., Bonnett, B. N., & Meek, A. H. (2000). Predicators of owner response to companion animal death in 177 clients from 14 practices in Ontario. Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, 217(9), 1303–1309.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Adrian, J. A. L., & Stitt, A. (2019). There for you: Attending pet euthanasia and whether this relates to complicated grief and post-traumatic stress disorder. Anthrozoös, 32(5), 701–713.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (no date); U.S. pet ownership statistics. 2017 – 2018 U.S. pet ownership & demographics sourcebook. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics
   Google Scholar
• Bardina, S. (2017). Social functions of a pet graveyard: Analysis of gravestone records at the metropolitan pet cemetery in Moscow. Anthrozoös, 30(3), 415–427.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Barnard-Nguyen, S., Breit, M., Anderson, K. A., & Nielson, J. (2016). Pet loss and grief: Identifying at-risk pet owners during the euthanasia process. Anthrozoös, 29(3), 421–430.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Boss, P. (2016). The context and process of theory development: The story of ambiguous loss. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 8(3), 269–286.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 2(3), 77–101.
   Google Scholar
• Brown, K. (2006). Pastoral concern in relation to the psychological stress caused by the death of an animal companion. Mental Health Religon & Culture, 9(5), 411–422.
   Google Scholar
• Brown, O. K., & Symons, D. K. (2016). “My pet has passed”: Relations of adult attachment styles and current feelings of grief and trauma after the event. Death Studies, 40(4), 247–255.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bussolari, C., Habarth, J., Kimpara, S., Katz, R., Carlos, F., Chow, A., … Packman, W. (2017). Posttraumatic growth following the loss of a pet: A cross-cultural comparison. Omega, 78(4), 348–368.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bussolari, C., Habarth, J. M., Phillips, S., Katz, R., & Packman, W. (2018a). Self-compassion, social constraints, and psychosocial outcomes in pet bereavement sample. Omega, 1–20.
   Google Scholar
• Bussolari, C. J., Habarth, J., Katz, R., Phillips, S., Carmack, B., & Packman, W. (2018b). The euthanasia decision making process: A qualitative exploration of bereaved animal companions. Bereavement Care, 37(3), 101–108.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Castle, J., & Phillips, W. L. (2003). Grief rituals: Aspects that facilitate adjustment to bereavement. Journal of Loss & Trauma, 8(1), 41–71.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Chan, M. M., & Rico, G. T. (2019). The “pet effect” in cancer patients: Risks and benefits of human-pet interaction. Critical Reviews of Oncology/Hematology, 143, 56–61.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Chur-Hansen, A. (2010). Grief and bereavement issues and the loss of companion animal: People living with a companion animal, owners of livestock and support workers. Clinical Psychlogy, 14(1), 14–21.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Clements, P. T., Benasutti, K. M., & Carmone, A. (2003). Support for bereaved owners of pets. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 39(2), 49–54.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Cordaro, M. (2012). Pet loss and disenfranchised grief: Implications for mental health counseling practice. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 34(4), 283–294.
   Google Scholar
• Davis, H. (2011). Death of a companion animal: Understanding human response to bereavement. In C. Blazina, G. Boyraz, & D. Shenn-Miller (Eds.), The psychology of the human-animal bond. A resource for clinicians and researchers (pp. 225–242). New York, NY: Springer.
   Google Scholar
• Davis, H., Irwin, P., Richardson, M., & O’Brien-Malone, A. (2003). When a pet dies: Religious issues, euthanasia and strategies for coping with bereavement. Anthrozoös, 16(1), 57–74.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Dickinson, G., Roof, P. D., & Roof, K. W. (2011). A survey of veterinarians in the US: Euthanasia and other end-of-life issues. Anthrozoös, 24(2), 167–174.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Doka, K. J. (1989). Disenfranchised grief: Recognizing hidden sorrow. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books.
   Google Scholar
• Doka, K. J. (2002). Disenfranchised grief. In K. J. Doka (Ed.), Living with grief: Loss in later life (pp. 159–168). Washington D.C.: The Hospice Foundation of America.
   Google Scholar
• Donohue, K. M. (2005). Pet loss: Implications for social work practice. Social Work, 50(2), 187–190.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Duggleby, W., Williams, A., Holstander, L., Cooper, D., Ghosh, S., Hallstrom, L. K., … Hampton, M. (2013). Evaluation of the living with hope program for rural women caregivers of persons with advanced cancer. BMC Palliative Care, 12(1), 36–57.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Dunn, K. L., Mehler, S. J., & Greenburg, H. S. (2005). Social work with a pet loss support group in a university veterinary hospital. Social Work in Health Care, 41(2), 59–70.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Eckerd, L. M., Barnett, J. E., & Jeff-Dias, L. (2016). Grief following pet and human loss: Closeness is key. Death Studies, 40(5), 275–282.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Erdman, P., & Ruby, K. (2020). Grieving Pet Loss: The unique experiences of bereaved owners. In L. Kogan & P. Erman (Eds.), Pet loss, grief, and therapeutic interventions: Practitioners navigating the human-animal bond (pp. 267–280). New York, NY: Routledge.
   Google Scholar
• Field, N. P. (2008). Whether to relinquish or maintain a bond with the deceased. In M. S. Stroebe, R. O. Hansson, H. Schut, & W. Stroebe (Eds.), Handbook of bereavement research and practice: Advances in theory and intervention (pp. 113–132). Washington D.C.: American Psychological Association.
   Google Scholar
• Field, N. P., Nichols, C., Holen, A., & Horowitz, M. (1999). The relation of continuing attachment to adjustment on conjugal bereavement. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 67(2), 212–218.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gerwolls, M. K., & Labott, S. M. (1994). Adjustment to the death of a companion animal. Anthrozoös, 7(3), 172–187.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gosse, G. H., & Barnes, M. J. (1994). Human grief resulting from the death of a pet. Anthrozoös, 7(2), 103–112.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Habarth, J., Bussolari, C., Gomez, R., Carmack, B. J., Ronen, R., Field, N. P., & Packman, W. (2017). Continuing bonds and psychosocial functioning a recently bereaved pet loss sample. Anthrozoös, 30(4), 651–670.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hall, M. J., Ng, A., Ursano, R. J., Holloway, H., Fullerton, C., & Casper, J. (2004). Psychological impact of the animal-human bond in disaster preparedness and response. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 10(6), 368–374.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Hess-Holden, C. L., Monaghan, C. L., & Justice, C. A. (2017). Pet bereavement support groups: A guide for mental health professionals. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 12(4), 440–450.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Holcombe, M. T., Strand, E. B., Nugent, W. R., & Ng, Z. Y. (2016). Veterinary social work: Practice within veterinary settings. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 26(1), 69–80.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hunt, M., Al-Awadi, H., & Johnson, M. (2008). Psychological sequelae of pet loss following Hurricane Katrina. Anthrozoös, 21(2), 109–121.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hunt, M., & Padilla, Y. (2005). Development of the pet bereavement questionnaire. Anthrozoös, 19(4), 308–324.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Irvine, L., & Cilia, L. (2017). More-than-human families: Pets, people and practices in multispecies households. Sociology Compass, 11(2), e12455.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Juth, V., Smyth, J. M., Carey, M. P., & Lepore, S. J. (2015). Social constraints are associated with negative psychological and physical adjustment in bereavement. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 7(2), 129–148.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kaufman, K. R., & Kaufman, N. D. (2006). And then the dog died. Death Studies, 30(1), 61–76.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kehl, K. (2005). Recognition and support of anticipatory mourning. Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing, 7(4), 206–211.
   Google Scholar
• Kemp, H. R., Jacobs, N., & Stewart, S. (2016). The lived experience of companion-animal loss: A systematic review of qualitative studies. Anthrozoös, 20(4), 533–557.
   Google Scholar
• King, L. C., & Werner, P. D. (2011). Attachment, social support, and responses following the death of a companion animal. Omega, 64(2), 119–141.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Knight, C., & Gitterman, A. (2019). Ambiguous loss and its disenfranchisement: The need for social work intervention. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 100(2), 164–173.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lagoni, L. (2007). Bond-centered cancer care: An applied approach to euthanasia and grief support for your clients, your staff and yourself. In S. J. Withrow & D. M. Vail (Eds.), Withrow and MacEwen’s small animal clinical oncology (pp. 672–682). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
   Google Scholar
• Laing, M., & Maylea, C. (2018). “They burn brightly, but only for a short time”: The role of social workers in companion animal grief and loss. Anthrozoös, 31(2), 221–232.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lavorgna, B. F., & Hutton, V. E. (2019). Grief severity: A comparison between human and companion animal death. Death Studies, 43(8), 521–526.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lee, S. A. (2016). Religion and pet loss: Afterlife beliefs, religious coping, prayer and their associations with sorrow. British Journal of Guidance & Counseling, 44(1), 123–129.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lee, S. A., & Surething, N. A. (2013). Neuroticism and religious coping uniquely predict distress severity among bereaved pet owners. Anthrozoös, 26(1), 61–76.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lenferink, L. I. M., vanDenderen, M. Y., deKeijser, J., Wessel, I., & Boelen, P. A. (2017). Prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress among relatives of missing persons and homicidally bereaved individuals: A comparison study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 209, 1–2.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lowe, S. R., Rhodes, J. E., Zwiebach, L., & Chan, C. S. (2009). The impact of pet loss on the perceived social support and psychological distress of hurricane survivors. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 22(3), 244–247.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lyons, M., Floyd, K., McCray, H., Peddie, C., Spurdle, K., Tlutsy, A., … Brewer, G. (2020). Expressions of grief in online discussion forums – Linguistic similarities and differences in pet and human bereavement. Omega, 1–19.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mackay, J., Moore, J., & Huntingford, F. (2016). Characterizing the data in online companion-dog obituaries to assess their usefulness as a source of information about human-animal bonds. Anthrozoös, 29(3), 431–440.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Manne, S., & Glassman, M. (2000). Perceived control, coping efficacy and avoidance coping as mediators between spousal unsupportive behaviors and psychological distress. Health Psychology, 19(2), 155–164.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Matte, A. R., Khosa, D. K., Meehan, M. P., Coe, J. B., & Niel, L. (2019). An exploratory study of veterinary professionals’ self-reported support of bereaved clients before, during and after companion animal euthanasia in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Omega, 1–19.
   Google Scholar
• McConnell, A. R., Brown, C. M., Shoda, T. M., Stayton, L. E., & Martin, C. E. (2011). Friends with benefits: On the positive consequences of pet ownership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(6), 1239–1252.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• McCutcheon, K., & Fleming, S. (2002). Grief resulting from euthanasia and natural death of companion animals. Omega, 44(2), 169–188.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• McKinney, K. (2019). Emotion work of coping with the death of a companion animal. Society & Animals, 27(1), 109–125.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Meyers, B. (2002). Disenfranchised grief and the loss of an animal companion. In K. Doka (Ed.), Disenfranchised grief: New directions, challenges and strategies (pp. 252–264). Illinois: Research Press.
   Google Scholar
• Michael, C., & Cooper, M. (2013). Post-traumatic growth following bereavement: A systematic review of the literature. Counselling Psychology Review, 28(4), 18–33.
   Google Scholar
• Morales, P. C. (1997). Grieving in silence: The loss of companion animals in modern society. Journal of Personal & Interpersonal Loss, 3(2), 243–254.
   Google Scholar
• Morris, P. (2012). Managing pet owners’ guilt and grief in veterinary euthanasia encounters. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 41(3), 337–365.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ormerod, E. J. (2008). Bond-centered veterinary practice: Lessons for veterinary faculty and students. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 35(4), 545–552.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Packman, W., Bussolari, C., Katz, R., Carmack, B. J., & Field, N. P. (2017). Posttraumatic growth following the loss of a pet. Omega, 75(4), 337–359.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Packman, W. G., Carmack, B. J., Katz, R., Carols, F., Field, N. P., & Landers, C. (2014). Online survey as empathetic bridging for the disenfranchised grief of pet loss. Omega, 69(4), 333–356.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Packman, W. G., Field, N. P., Carmack, B. J., & Ronen, R. (2011). Continuing bonds and psychosocial adjustment in pet loss. Journal of Loss & Trauma, 16(4), 341–357.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Park, R., & Royal, K. (2020). A national survey of companion animal owners’ self-reported methods of coping following euthanasia. Veterinary Sciences, 7(3), 89.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Paulus, T. M., & Varga, M. A. (2015). Please know that you are not alone with your pain: Responses to newcomer posts in an online grief support forum. Death Studies, 39(10), 633–640.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Planchon, L. A., Templer, D. I., Stokes, S., & Keller, J. (2002). Death of a companion cat or dog and human bereavement: Psychosocial variables. Society & Animals, 10(1), 93–105.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Podrazik, D., Shackford, S., Becker, L., & Heckert, T. (2000). The death of a pet: Implications for loss and bereavement across the lifespan. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 5, 361–395.
   Google Scholar
• Quackenbush, J., & Glickman, L. (1983). Social work services for bereaved pet owners: A retrospective case study in a veterinary teaching hospital. Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press.
   Google Scholar
• Rémillard, L. W., Meehan, M. P., Kelton, D. F., & Coe, J. B. (2017). Exploring the experience among callers to a pet loss support hotline. Anthrozoös, 30(1), 149–161.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ross, C. B., & Baron-Sorensen, J. (2007). The euthanasia decision. In C. B. Ross & J. Baron-Sorenson (Eds.), Pet loss and human emotion. Guiding clients through grief (pp. 31–56). New York: Routledge.
   Google Scholar
• Rossell, T. D. (2005). Grieving the loss of a companion animal: Pastoral perspective and personal narrative regarding one sort of disenfranchised grief. Review & Expositor, 102(1), 47–63.
   Google Scholar
• Rujoiu, O., & Rujoiu, V. (2014). Pet loss and human emotion: romanian students reflections on pet loss. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 19(5), 474–483.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sable, P. (2013). The pet connection: An attachment perspective. Clinical Social Work Journal, 41(1), 93–99.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Schmidt, M., Naylor, P. E., Cohen, D., Gomez, R., Moses, J. A., Jr., Rappoport, M., & Packman, W. (2020). Pet loss and continuing bonds in children and adolescents. Death Studies, 44(5), 278–284.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sharkin, B. S., & Knox, D. (2003). Pet loss: Issues and implications for the psychologist. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 34(4), 414–421.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Spain, B., O’Dwyer, L., & Moston, S. (2019). Pet loss: Understanding disenfranchised grief, memorial use and posttraumatic growth. Anthrozoös, 32(4), 555–568.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Testoni, I., De Cataldo, L., Ronconi, L., & Zamperini, A. (2017). Pet loss and representations of death, attachment, depression, and euthanasia. Anthrozoös, 30(1), 135–148.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Toray, T. (2004). The human-animal bond and loss: Providing support for grieving clients. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 26(3), 244–259.
   Google Scholar
• Travers, C., Degeling, C., & Rock, M. (2017). Companion animals in natural disasters: A scoping review of scholarly sources. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 20(4), 324–343.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Turner, W. G. (1997). Evaluation of a pet loss support hotline. Anthrozoös, 10(4), 225–230.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tzivian, L., Friger, M., & Kushnir, T. (2014). Grief and bereavement of Israeli dog owners: Exploring short-term phases pre- and post-euthanization. Death Studies, 38(2), 109–117.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tzivian, L., Friger, M., & Kushnir, T. (2015a). The death and owning of the companion dog: Association between resource loss and stress in healthy Israeli women. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 10(3), 223–230.
   Google Scholar
• Tzivian, L., Friger, M., & Kushnir, T. (2015b). Associations between stress and quality of life: Differences between owners keeping a living dog or losing a dog by euthanasia. PLoS One, 10(3), e0121081.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Uccheddu, S., De Cataldo, L., Albertini, M., Coren, S., Da Graca Pereira, G., Haverbeke, A., … Pirrone, F. (2019). Pet humanisation and related grief: Development and validation of a structured questionnaire instrument to evaluate grief in people who have lost a companion dog. Animals, 9(933), 933.
   Google Scholar
• United States Census Bureau. (no date). 2014 – 2018 quick facts united states. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045219.
   Google Scholar
• Vecchio, K. D., & Saxton-Lopez, N. (2013). The pet loss companion: Healing advice from family therapists who lead pet loss groups. North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace Independent.
   Google Scholar
• Veldkamp, E. (2009). The emergence of “Pet as Family” in the socio-historical development of pet funerals in Japan. Anthrozoös, 22(4), 333–346.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Volsche, S. (2019). Understanding cross-species parenting: A case for pets as children. In L. Kogan & C. Blazina (Eds.), Clinician’s guide to treating companion animal issues (pp. 129–142). London: Elsevier.
   Google Scholar
• Watters, N., Ruff, R., & Weyer Jamora, C. (2013). Can post-traumatic stress disorder be caused by a traumatic injury to a companion pet? Journal of Trauma & Treatment, 5, 182–186.
   Google Scholar
• Wayland, S., Maple, M., McKay, K., & Glassock, G. (2016). Holding onto hope: A review of the literature exploring missing persons, hope, and ambiguous loss. Death Studies, 40(1), 54–60.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Williams, B., & Green, R. (2016). Understanding bereavement in animal owners. Practice, 38(3), 140–146.
   Google Scholar
• Williams, S., & Mills, J. N. (2000). Understanding and responding to grief in companion practice. Australian Veterinary Practitioner, 30, 55–60.
   Google Scholar
• Wong, P. W. C., Lau, K. C. T., Liu, L. L., Yuen, G. S. N., & Wing-Lok, P. (2017). Beyond Recovery: Understanding the postbereavement growth from companion animal loss. Omega, 75(2), 103–123.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wood, L., Martin, K., Christian, H., Nathan, A., Lauritsen, C., Houghton, S., … McCune, S. (2015). The pet factor – Companion animals as a conduit for getting to know people, friendship formation and social support. PLoS One, 10(4), e20122085.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wrobel, T. A., & Dye, A. L. (2003). Grieving pet death: Normative, gender and attachment issues. Omega, 47(4), 385–393.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Zottarelli, L. (2010). Broken bond: An exploration of the human consequences of pet loss during Hurricane Katrina. Sociological Forum, 25(1), 110–122.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar