🐾 Helping Kids Cope: How to Prepare Your Child for the Loss of a Pet at Home

By Love & Toe Beans | In-Home Pet Euthanasia Brisbane

For many children, a pet is more than just an animal, they’re a best friend, a playmate, and a source of unconditional love. When it's time to say goodbye, especially through a peaceful at-home euthanasia, helping your child navigate the loss with compassion and honesty can be one of the most important parts of their grieving journey.

At Love & Toe Beans, we understand how deeply pets are woven into the lives of Brisbane families. We’ve walked beside many parents and carers through these quiet, heart-wrenching moments, and we know how powerful it can be to support children in a way that is open, age-appropriate, and kind.

Why Talking About Pet Loss Matters

For many kids, losing a pet may be their first real experience with death. How we talk to them about it can shape their understanding of grief, love, and emotional resilience.

Shielding them too much can lead to confusion or fear. But with a gentle, honest approach, we can help them process their emotions and honour the love they shared with their pet.

🕊️ 1. Be Honest, But Gentle

Children need the truth, just softened in a way that’s appropriate for their age. Avoid confusing euphemisms like "went to sleep" or "went away." Instead, try simple, clear language:

“Our pet is very old and unwell, and their body is no longer working properly. They’re starting to feel very tired and uncomfortable, and nothing we do can make them better anymore.”

“We’ve spoken to the vet, and they’re going to come to our home to help our pet pass away peacefully. It’s a very kind and gentle way to make sure they don’t feel any more pain or suffering. Their body will stop working, but they’ll be surrounded by love, in their favourite place, with us by their side.”

“It’s okay to feel sad or confused. We’re doing this because we love them so much, and we don’t want them to hurt anymore.”

It’s okay to show emotion too, this teaches them that grief is natural.

🌈 2. Let Them Feel What They Feel

Children often express grief in unexpected ways, tears, questions, silence, or even anger. Reassure them that every feeling is okay.

“It’s okay to be sad. I’m sad too.”
“You gave our pet so much love, and they loved you right back.”

Encourage them to draw, write a letter to their pet, or create something special as a way to express their love and loss.

🐾 3. Involve Them in the Goodbye (If You Feel It’s Appropriate)

Give your child the choice to be involved in saying goodbye, but only if you feel they’re ready and it’s the right time. Let them know it’s okay if they want to be there, to come and go, or if they’d prefer to stay nearby or wait until afterward. This way, they can participate in a way that feels safe and comforting for them.

🌸 4. Create a Memory Ritual

Rituals help children process emotions through action. After your pet has passed, consider:

• Planting a flower or tree in their memory

• Creating a memory box with your pet’s collar or favourite toy

• Framing a photo alongside a note or drawing from your child

• Holding a simple ceremony in the garden

These small, meaningful acts remind children that their love still lives on.

💛 5. Offer Comfort and Reassurance

Routine is comforting during times of change. Try to maintain regular activities and check in often with your child’s emotional state. Let them know:

“Grief comes and goes, and that’s okay.”
“It’s okay to smile and be happy sometimes too.”
“Your pet knew how much you loved them.”

Patience, presence, and gentle reassurance go a long way.

When to Seek Extra Support

While many children process grief in healthy ways, some may need extra help. It may be time to reach out to a child psychologist or grief counsellor if your child:

• Becomes withdrawn or anxious for an extended period

• Experiences sleep problems or nightmares

• Shows persistent changes in appetite or mood

• Expresses guilt, fear, or confusion about death

Grief support early on can prevent long-term emotional struggles and help your child feel seen and supported.

❤️ Holding Space for Grief, Love, and Growth

Saying goodbye to a pet is one of the hardest things a family can face, and for children, it can leave a lasting impact. But with your love, presence, and gentle guidance, this heartbreaking moment can also become an opportunity for learning, healing, and growth.

At Love & Toe Beans, we offer compassionate in-home pet euthanasia across Greater Brisbane, as well as Quality of Life consultations and grief resources to support the whole family. Because we believe that every goodbye deserves to be met with love and every child deserves to be supported through it.

If you're preparing for this journey, or just need someone to talk to, we're here.

🐾 With love (and toe beans),

The Love & Toe Beans Team
Brisbane's Gentle In-Home Pet Euthanasia & End-of-Life Support Services