01/25/2026
For many people, losing a pet isn’t “less” than any other kind of loss.
A new research survey found that the grief people experience after a pet’s death can be just as intense — and long-lasting — as grief after losing a human family member. Among nearly 1,000 adults surveyed, some showed symptoms consistent with prolonged grief disorder, including deep yearning and disruptions to daily life.
Researchers say the findings challenge the idea that pet loss is something people should simply “get over,” arguing that the emotional bond — and the pain when it’s broken — is often profound.