The Effects on Family Members and Functioning AFter the Death of a Pet

A pet's death can precipitate a grief as intense as that precipitated after the loss of a human. Because the pet is considered a family member, its death disrupts the lives of family members and family functioning. This article describes the family disruption that results from feelings of loss in four specific areas. It also discusses how a pet's death can lead to disorganization of family functioning. The nature and extent of family members' grief responses to pet death are described. Because of these losses, and the disruption and nature of the grief response, the need for counseling is established.