Pet Loss & Grief Support
Honoring the Bond. Navigating the Grief. You're Not Alone.
From the Heart of PS4C | Supporting Families in Arlington Since 2016
At Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® (PS4C), we’ve walked alongside many clients through the hardest goodbyes. Some of these pets grew up with us—from first visits as puppies or kittens to their final days. Whether you’re anticipating loss or mourning one, this page offers resources, comfort, and space to grieve.
Where to Begin
Grieving a pet is personal and deeply emotional. There is no “right” way to feel or heal.
You may experience:
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Sudden emptiness or overwhelming sadness
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Guilt, anger, or disbelief
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Confusion about how to move forward
All of these are valid. Take your time. You’re not alone.
First Steps:
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Give yourself permission to grieve—there’s no timeline
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Reach out to friends, support groups, or professionals
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Create a small tribute: light a candle, frame a photo, write a letter
Local Support in Northern Virginia
Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA)
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Local grief guides and compassionate team
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Donation tributes in memory of your pet
National Resources
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)
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Grief chat rooms & moderated forums
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Certified pet loss counselors
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Virtual memorial tools & tribute ideas
Memorial Ideas & Keepsakes
Ways to honor your companion’s memory:
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Plant a tree or flowers in their name
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Create a photo book, scrapbook, or shadow box
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Commission a portrait or keepsake
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Write a goodbye letter
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Donate to a rescue or shelter in their honor
If your pet was a PS4C client, we’re honored to add them to our private memorial archive. Reach out to share photos or a few words.
Supporting Children Through Pet Loss
Children grieve differently. Offer them ways to express their feelings:
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Encourage drawing, writing letters, or crafting a keepsake
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Use simple language to explain what happened
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Reassure them it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused
You're Not Alone
Whether your loss is fresh or years behind you—your pet mattered. And your grief does too.
If you'd like to share a memory, ask for resources, or simply talk with someone who remembers your pet’s name—we’re here.