A recent study conducted in the UK has revealed significant findings regarding the psychological impact of losing a pet, indicating that many individuals experience prolonged grief disorder (PGD) in response to such a loss. Traditionally, PGD was only diagnosable after the death of a human, but this research highlights that 7.5% of participants who lost a pet met the criteria for PGD, a statistic comparable to those grieving for close friends, and aligns closely with losses related to other family members like grandparents and siblings.

The study involved 975 adults in Britain and uncovered that a similar proportion of individuals who faced the death of both a human and a pet indicated that the loss of their animal affected them more profoundly. This challenges previous notions that pet owners often suppress their grief due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding by others. The researcher Philip Hyland, a psychology professor at Munster University in Ireland, emphasizes that the symptoms associated with grief remain consistent, whether the loss is an animal or a human, underscoring the need for greater recognition of the emotional pain that pet owners endure during such times.

Overall, this study calls into question societal perceptions surrounding grief from pet loss and suggests that it can be as legitimate and intense as grief stemming from human deaths. The findings advocate for a broader understanding and support system for individuals mourning their beloved pets, fostering an environment where they can express their grief without stigma or shame.