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January 19, 2026
When Sarah Jenkins lost her Golden Retriever, Bailey, she expected to be sad. She didn’t expect to be unable to return to work for three weeks, or to find herself still unable to enter her kitchen six months later because that’s where Bailey’s water bowl used to sit.
“I felt more broken than when my grandfather passed,” Jenkins says. “But I felt I had to hide it. People would ask why I was upset, and if I said ‘my dog died,’ I could see the immediate shift in their eyes—the ‘oh, it’s just an animal’ look. That made the pain so much harder to process.”
Jenkins’ experience is far from an anomaly. According to a landmark study published this month in the journal PLOS One, the psychological impact of losing a pet is not only profound but can, in some cases, result in clinical mental health conditions identical to those following the death of a human family member.
The research, led by Dr. Philip Hyland of Maynooth University, reveals that 21% of people who have experienced both types of bereavement found their pet’s death harder to bear. More significantly, the study found that 7.5% of pet owners meet the clinical criteria for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)—a rate comparable to, and in some cases exceeding, the grief following the loss of a parent or sibling.
The Science of the Bond
To understand why pet loss hits so hard, researchers look at the quality of the relationship. Modern domestic life has shifted the role of animals from “workers” to “family members.” A 2025 survey by the RSPCA found that 99% of owners consider their pets part of the family.
“The bond we share with pets is often characterized by unconditional love and a lack of the complexities or conflicts frequently found in human relationships,” says Dr. Elena Rossi, a clinical psychologist specializing in bereavement (not involved in the study). “When a pet dies, you aren’t just losing a companion; you are losing a source of non-judgmental support and a significant portion of your daily routine.”
Understanding Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)
Grief is a natural response to loss, typically involving a spectrum of emotions like sadness, guilt, and anger. However, PGD is distinct. Defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), PGD involves:
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Intense, persistent longing for the deceased.
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Distress so severe it impairs daily functioning (e.g., inability to work or socialize).
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Symptoms lasting 12 months or more after the loss.
Currently, the DSM-V only recognizes the death of a human as a trigger for a PGD diagnosis. The Maynooth University study challenges this medical boundary. Dr. Hyland’s team found no measurable difference in how PGD symptoms manifest, whether the mourner is grieving a person or a pet.
By the Numbers: Likelihood of PGD Symptoms
The study compared the likelihood of developing PGD symptoms across various types of loss:
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Loss of a Parent: 31%
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Loss of a Pet: 27%
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Loss of a Sibling: 21%
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Loss of a Close Friend: (Lower than pet loss)
The Barrier of “Disenfranchised Grief”
One of the most significant hurdles for grieving pet owners is disenfranchised grief—grief that is not socially validated or recognized.
“If a parent dies, you get bereavement leave and flowers. If a cat dies, you might get a ‘sorry’ and an expectation to be back at your desk in an hour,” says Dr. Rossi.
The study highlights that a major risk factor for PGD is a lack of social support. Because many participants felt “embarrassment and shame” about the depth of their sorrow, they isolated themselves. This isolation prevents the healthy processing of emotions, potentially “freezing” the grief into a chronic, clinical disorder.
The Euthanasia Factor
Pet loss also carries a unique burden rarely found in human bereavement: the decision to euthanize.
For some, being able to provide a “good death” offers comfort. For others, the weight of the decision leads to “caregiver regret” or trauma. The study notes that traumatic circumstances are a primary driver for PGD. When an owner feels they acted too early, or were pressured into the decision by veterinary costs, the resulting guilt can stall the healing process for years.
Limitations and Moving Forward
While the study is robust, involving 975 British adults, critics and some traditional clinicians argue that human and animal loss are qualitatively different and should remain distinct in diagnostic manuals to avoid over-medicalizing the human experience. Others point out that the study relied on self-reported data, which can be influenced by the intensity of the moment.
However, the public health implications are clear. As pet ownership continues to rise globally, the medical community may need to expand its definition of “family” to provide adequate mental health support.
What This Means for You
If you are currently grieving a pet, health professionals suggest the following:
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Acknowledge the Validity: Your grief is a reflection of the love you had. It is not “silly” or “less than.”
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Seek Specific Support: Look for bereavement groups specifically for pet loss. Organizations like the RSPCA offer specialized toolkits.
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Monitor Your Functioning: If, after a year, you find it impossible to engage in your normal life, consult a mental health professional. PGD is treatable through targeted therapies.
As the research suggests, the heart doesn’t distinguish between species—it only knows the depth of the connection.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
References
Primary Study:
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Hyland, P. (2026). No pets allowed: Evidence that prolonged grief disorder can occur following the death of a pet. PLOS One. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0339213
