Is it too soon to get another pet?
The heartbreak of losing a lifelong friend is incredibly painful.
After a loss, you may realise that you want to continue sharing your life with a four-legged companion. Welcoming a new family member is a beautiful way to share your love, but before sharing your home again, you must be ready for the beginning of a new companionship.
Consider the following before committing to this new life long relationship.
Grieve
Take the time to experience your grief and allow yourself to feel. Avoid trying to immediately welcome a new family member when you have not processed your feelings of grief. Perhaps wait until you feel a sense of peace about your loss.
Consider your entire household
Communicate with those in your household, and ask them how they feel about introducing a new family member. As everybody grieves individually, create an open channel of communication, asking how they feel about getting another pet and what they are looking for in their next companion. Also consider your four-legged friends, who have experienced a loss of their own as inviting a new pet into the family too soon may cause a disruption.
Recognise your responsibilities
Remind yourself of what is involved in caring for and loving a new pet. Think about the responsibilities that come with a new companion, especially if you are introducing a puppy, kitten, or a rescue animal. Can you give your new pet all the time and love they deserve? Remember that it takes time and some reassurance to help your new friend adjust to their new home and ensure they are healthy and happy.
Finding a new companion
Once you feel the time is right you can begin searching for a new companion. Remember that your pet can never be replaced, and although they are no longer by your side, they will be forever in your heart. Avoid rushing out and bringing home the first four-legged friend you meet. Carefully consider the personality traits you are looking for, and decide what factors and characteristics are most important to you. Losing a pet is a painful experience, which is an indescribably difficult time for all pet owners. For some, it may take days or weeks to want another companion in their lives, for others it may take months or years. Whenever your time is, know that one day you will again be able to welcome a four-legged companion into your home and your heart.
The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice.
Grief Factsheets
If you’re in need of some extra support in the days and weeks following your pet’s death, take a look at these handy guides written by leading figure in grief and empathy education and author of When Pets Die: It's Alright to Grieve, Doris Zagdanski.
More Help & Advice
Whether it's a dog, cat or small pet, every pet has an important place in the family. The weeks and months following the death of your pet won't be easy. Keep reading to find out the answer to some questions you may have, including when is the right time to get another pet? And do other pets grieve?
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