Is It Normal to Grieve a Pet More Than a Person?
Understanding the Depth of Our Bonds and Why Your Grief Is Valid
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet can feel like losing a part of yourself, and sometimes the grief cuts even deeper than the loss of a human loved one.
If you’ve found yourself thinking, “Why does this hurt so much?” or “Am I grieving too much?” , please know this: you’re not alone, and your feelings are more than valid.
At Love & Toe Beans, we support families across Brisbane and the Greater Brisbane Region through gentle, compassionate in-home pet euthanasia and ongoing grief support. We witness every day how profoundly pets become part of our families, woven into our routines, our memories, and our hearts, and how incredibly heartbreaking it is to say goodbye when the time comes.
💛 The Bond That’s Unlike Any Other
Pets aren’t “just animals.”
They’re our companions, our shadows, our soulmates in fur. They see us through breakups, babies, illnesses, moves, and milestones. They're there for every quiet moment and chaotic one, asking for nothing but love in return.
What makes the grief of losing a pet so deep?
Unconditional love - free from judgment, expectations, or complication
Shared routines - meals, walks, cuddles, play, and quiet moments
Comfort and safety - they know us at our worst and love us anyway
Pure connection - many pet owners describe their pets as their safe space
Science backs this up. The same oxytocin release that bonds parents to children also occurs between humans and pets. These bonds are primal, instinctive, and irreplaceable, which is why their loss can feel so devastating.
🐾 Why Losing a Pet Can Feel Harder Than Losing a Person
It may feel taboo to say out loud, but you’re not the only one who’s ever thought it: “This hurts more than when I lost a friend/family member.”
And that doesn’t make you heartless. It makes you human.
Here’s why this kind of grief can feel so intense:
Constant presence: Pets are woven into our daily lives and their absence is felt in every corner of the home.
Pure love: With humans, relationships can be complex. With pets, love is simple and complete.
No preparation: Often, even when we know it's coming, it never feels like enough time. And grief can be compounded if you're the one making the decision to let them go.
Minimised grief: Society often fails to fully acknowledge pet loss. You may feel pressure to move on or “not make a fuss”, which only makes the grief feel lonelier.
At Love & Toe Beans, we hear these stories every week from Brisbane families making the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye. We want you to know, your grief is nothing to be ashamed of.
🌿 It's Okay to Grieve Deeply
Grief is a measure of love and you loved your pet deeply.
You don’t need to compare this grief to anything else. You don’t need to “justify” how long it’s lasting or how much it hurts.
Whether it’s your first pet or your fifteenth, whether it was sudden or after a long illness, it still matters. Your grief matters.
There’s no timeline, no “right way,” and no quick fix.
But there are gentle ways to support yourself:
Write a letter to your pet
Light a candle each night in their memory
Visit a favourite walking spot or garden
Create a memory box with their collar or toys
Talk about them and keep their name alive
🌈 How We Support You at Love & Toe Beans
We’re not just here for the final goodbye.
We’re here for the heartbreak that follows.
As one of Brisbane’s most trusted and gentle home euthanasia services, we’ve walked this road with countless pet parents and we have also walked it ourselves. We know the weight of these moments and we promise to carry them with compassion.
💛 Home Dog Euthanasia & Cat Euthanasia (Brisbane & surrounds)
🌿 Grief Resources & Aftercare Support
🐾 Community Facebook Memory Garden to honour and share your pet’s story
📝 Pet Loss Blog - filled with honest, heartfelt support articles to help you feel less alone- click here
You can reach out anytime, even long after the goodbye. This journey doesn't end when your pet passes. We're still here, holding space for your grief and honouring your love.
💛 You Are Not Alone
If your heart feels broken and your home feels quieter than it should…
If you’re wondering when the tears will stop, or why the world seems to be moving on without you…
Please remember this:
You loved fiercely.
You said goodbye with compassion.
And your grief is simply the other side of that love.
You are not alone.
With gentle care (and all the toe beans),
The Love & Toe Beans Team
💛 Brisbane's In-Home Euthanasia & Pet Loss Support Service