And suddenly, someone is missing. When the beloved pet is no longer with us, the pain and loss are significant. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for making grief easier. Each person must find their own way through it. However, a consideration often accompanies many former pet owners shortly after their four-legged friend’s passing: Should another pet be welcomed into their life?

Loss of a Pet – Everyone Grieves Differently

What may be unthinkable for some is a matter of course for others and is also a form of coping with grief. For example, a passionate cat owner mentioned that she never hesitated for a moment about adopting another cat after her beloved furry companion passed away. After all, her home was perfectly set up for living with a feline friend, and she found fulfillment in the companionship with a cat, having enough time and love to give. Just a few weeks later, an older female cat found a new home, specifically looking for an indoor life.

In contrast, an older gentleman whose dog had been with him for 15 years chose not to have a new animal companion. He explained that he was no longer young himself, fearing that he might not be able to do justice to another animal as it deserves. Additionally, he wasn’t ready to emotionally invest as deeply in the love for another pet. Similarly, another dog owner, whose pet tragically died at a young age in an accident, felt the same way. However, a few months later, she was seen with a small mixed-breed dog on the field path. “I just can’t do without,” she laughed. “I realized that I won’t love my Felix any less just because I open my heart to another animal in need. Felix and all the shared memories will always have a place in my heart.”

Grief Takes Time

The decision of whether to bring another pet into the home after the death of a beloved one is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. And, of course, you can decide to bring in a new pet much later. As with any new pet, take your time for this significant step.

Avoid trying to fill the void in your grief prematurely with a new four-legged companion. This may make you feel guilty or see it as a betrayal to your old favorite. These feelings can quickly transfer to your new companion. Or you may have high expectations that no animal can meet. When you feel ready for a new pet, you can start looking around slowly. Do not rush the decision.

When the Animal Partner is Missing

There is one exception, though: if you still have the responsibility for another pet, its well-being should be a priority. There are pets that simply cannot and do not want to be kept alone. For example, if one rabbit dies and another is left behind, a solution must be found in the best interest of the remaining rabbit. Because rabbits absolutely need social contacts and communication for their well-being.

However, it can go differently as well. A family told us that after a long illness, their cat Lucy had to be euthanized. Alongside their grief, they also worried about how their tomcat Joey would handle being alone. It quickly became clear that these fears were unfounded. The tomcat coped much better on his own. Even though he got along with Lucy, he now enjoys being in the spotlight and getting the full attention of his humans. Observe your beloved pet. How does it behave? Are there signs that it is doing better or worse?

Am I Ready for a New Pet?

Everyone deals with their grief individually. For some, a new pet helps them overcome their loss, while for others, it can intensify the sorrow. The decision should not be rushed, and everyone should allow enough time for grieving. Some iHugDogs employees have already had to say goodbye to their office buddies or other animal family members. Our colleague Christiane tells us how she dealt with the loss of her beloved dogs.

Talk to your family if a new pet is going to join. All family members should be involved in this decision when welcoming a new furry family member. Perhaps the loss still hurts so much that not every family member is ready to open their hearts to a new four-legged friend.

Is this perhaps the moment to consider whether a new pet still fits into your current life situation? Have your life circumstances changed? Are you planning to move or change jobs? Can you still properly care for an animal?

Regardless of how you decide, no pet can replace another. Every beloved animal friend remains unforgettable in our hearts.