References
The impact of pet loss: an update on the research and evidence-based ways to help grieving clients
Abstract
Grief on an animal's death is a normal reaction. However, although some support resources are available, including counsellors, helplines and online fora, there is little collective societal understanding of pet owners’ grief. In addition to personal and situational factors (e.g. age, coping style, how the animal died) that may shape or complicate clients’ grief, it may be compounded by guilt and the incomprehension of those around them. Thus, while most bereaved owners can adapt to life without their animal companion, many suffer unnecessarily in the process. Research continues on the complexities of grief for animals, but we still lack evidence for the most effective approaches to supporting bereaved clients. A pragmatic approach would follow the guidelines on human bereavement, using staff training and client-care resources so that: veterinary personnel did not make assumptions about the needs of grieving clients; and all newly bereaved owners received information about diverse support resources before their animals died or at the time of death. This article outlines some of the more recent research pertinent to pet owners’ grief. It also highlights evidence-based approaches to bridging the grief support gap with clients.
To the author's knowledge, the benefits of a comprehensive strategy on client support during animals’ end-of-life phase are not recognised by most veterinary practices. For example, clients’ receipt of information about grief and support is often not routine but depends on the judgement of the veterinarian, nurse or receptionist concerned. Practices that have an inconsistent or incomplete approach are likely to lose money and to fail some of their clients:
Grief is the term for the behavioural, social, psychological and emotional reactions that a person has in response to the ending of a significant relationship (Casarett et al, 2001). It is a spontaneous and normal response that enables people to adapt to life without that individual. Owners experience it when their animals die because they are attached to their animals (Adams et al, 1999; Sable, 2013). That is, as with human relationships, the relationship with the animal provides feelings of comfort and security, and other benefits, which are lost when the animal dies.
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