The holidays are often described as “the most wonderful time of the year” — but for many who are grieving the loss of a beloved pet, this season can bring more pain than joy. Whether you’re mourning a recent goodbye or preparing for an anticipated loss, we want you to know: you are not alone.
At Loved, we understand that the depth of the human-animal bond is unlike any other — and when that bond is broken, the grief can feel isolating, especially when surrounded by seasonal cheer.
Why Pet Loss Feels Harder During the Holidays
Grief is hard enough on an ordinary day. During the holidays, it can feel magnified.
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Routines are disrupted — no morning tail wags or gift-wrapped toys.
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Family gatherings can trigger memories of past seasons with your pet.
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The pressure to “be merry” can make grief feel like something to hide.
Many pet parents say, “It doesn’t feel like the holidays without them.” That feeling is valid. Your grief deserves space — even during December.
You’re Not Alone: Join Our Pet Grief Support Group
To help you navigate this difficult time, we offer complimentary pet grief support groups, open to all families — even if your pet didn’t pass through our care.
Led by Francesca Tocco, LCSW, our experienced veterinary grief specialist, these online sessions are a gentle, compassionate space to:
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Share your story
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Hear from others who understand
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Feel seen, validated, and supported
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Learn healthy ways to cope during the holidays
It’s a space for connection, comfort, and shared understanding. And during a season when connection can be healing, it matters more than ever.
Learn more or join a session at Loved.vet/grief-support
Signs You Might Benefit from Grief Support
If you’re experiencing any of the following, our group may offer comfort:
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You feel isolated in your grief
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The holidays have been especially triggering
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You’re unsure how to talk about your loss with others
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You’re anticipating saying goodbye to your pet soon
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You want to honor your pet’s memory but don’t know how
Whether it’s been days, weeks, or years since your loss — you belong here.
Gentle Ways to Honor Your Pet This Season
If you’re looking for ways to keep your pet’s memory close during the holidays, here are a few thoughtful ideas:
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Hang a memorial ornament with your pet’s name or photo
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Write them a letter and keep it under the tree or in a memory box
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Light a candle in their honor during family meals
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Plant memorial seeds or a potted tree as a living tribute
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Include their pawprint in your holiday décor or wreath
Honoring your pet is a beautiful way to allow grief and love to co-exist.
From Our Heart to Yours
At Loved, we know the holidays can reopen emotional wounds. That’s why we offer ongoing, free grief support — without timelines, expectations, or judgment. Whether you’re newly grieving or simply feeling the absence of your pet more deeply right now, we’re here.
This season, we invite you to take care of your heart as tenderly as you did your pet.
You gave them a lifetime of love. Let us give you a space to grieve.
Sign up for our grief support sessions here > SIGN UP HERE