If you have ever grieved a pet more deeply than a person, science says that reaction is completely valid. For many people, a dog or cat is not “just a pet.” They are a constant presence, a source of comfort, and a companion woven into daily life. When they pass away, the silence, the empty bowl, and the missing routines can feel overwhelming because the loss is real. Research shows that grief after losing a pet often mirrors the grief felt after losing a close family member. People experience de