Experiencing Grief Over the Death of a Pet: A Phenomenological Study in an Online Support Group

Abstract

Background

Pet loss grief remains insufficiently understood and often underestimated, despite its profound emotional and existential impact. Exploring this experience in supportive contexts can deepen the understanding of how individuals navigate this form of bereavement.

Aims

This study aimed to explore the lived experience of pet loss grief within an open online support group, adopting a phenomenological–existential perspective.

Materials and Methods

Seven online group meetings were conducted, each lasting two hours, comprising a total of 28 participants. The analysis followed a phenomenological–existential approach to describe and interpret the participants’ experiences of pet loss grief.

Results

Pet loss grief involved a deep reconfiguration of caregivers’ being-in-the-world, revealing emotional, relational and social complexities that challenge superficial understandings of this type of loss. Participants expressed profound shifts in daily routines, identity and meaning-making following the death of their pets.

Discussion

The findings illuminate how pet loss grief extends beyond emotional distress, involving existential disruption and a need for recognition in social contexts. This underscores the importance of considering the relational and existential dimensions of this experience in both research and clinical practice.

Conclusion

Pet loss grief should be acknowledged as an existentially significant experience. Interventions that validate and meaningfully integrate this loss into individuals’ lives are essential for enhancing support and clinical care in this domain.