Common Pet Care Needs for a Family Experiencing Loss

When a family is dealing with the death of a family member, pet care can be an additional concern. For many, their pets are like family members. This could be an excellent opportunity for you to serve those who are walking through grief and loss. Here are some everyday pet care needs, concerns, and ideas for helping your friends and family.

• Feeding and watering – The family may need help feeding and watering their pets, especially if the deceased family member was responsible for this. This could also be applicable to family members walking through anticipatory death or hospice care. These needs include regular feedings, replacing water, changing liter, or cleaning bird cages.
• Exercise and walks – Daily exercise could be a great way to help the family and their pets. This could be taking their pet to the park, throwing the ball in the yard, or simply stopping by to love on their pet.
• Grooming – The family may need help grooming their pets, such as brushing, bathing, and clipping nails. You could find out where they typically have this service done, book appointments, and arrange for transportation for the pet.
• Medications – Many pets require daily administering medications. Being willing to go and give their pets their medication could alleviate the burden of remembering these things or leaving their dying loved one.
• Pet sitter – If the family needs to travel for the funeral or memorial services, you could help arrange a pet sitter or dog walker to take care of their pets while they're gone.
• Emotional support for pets: Pets may also grieve and show signs of distress, so it's essential to be mindful of their emotional needs. They may need extra snuggles or walks to help alleviate their stress and anxiety.
• Pet Daycare or Boarding – Sometimes, the grieving family would prefer for their pet to go somewhere for daycare or boarding. You could help arrange those appointments, send vet records, and arrange transportation.
• Vet Visits –  A pet behaviorist or veterinarian appointment will be a good idea if you have concerns about a pet's behavior or health. You could arrange these appointments and offer to take their pet.
• Legal Documents – If the pet belongs to someone nearing the end of life, it may help them with legal documents that provide for the care of a pet in the event of the owner's death.
• Rehoming – Help find a loving new home for the pet if the family cannot care for it after the loss of a family member.

It's important to remember that the grieving process can be overwhelming. Each person will process differently and allow different levels of help. Be respectful of what the griever needs and wants. This is a time to come alongside them and help facilitate their requests. Many of these tasks can be done over time and don't require anyone to rush into making decisions.