People need more support to deal with “heartbreaking” pet bereavement, as the RSPCA and TV’s Matt Johnson join forces to help those suffering from the pain of losing a pet.
It comes as a new survey from the charity reveals fewer than one in 14 (6.9%) respondents believe pet grief is taken seriously enough by society.
A majority of respondents (57.8%) feel a stigma exists around pet grief, while most of those affected admit to hiding their grief (57.1%), or being unable to find support (56.7%).
But the RSPCA hopes its new campaign – Not Just a Pet – will help pet owners, as well as their family and friends navigate the trauma. The charity has launched a new online toolkit packed full of support to help owners through the grief.
TV presenter Matt, a keen mental health advocate and RSPCA Ambassador, lost his own dog Alan in April this year.
Alan was adopted by Matt in 2020. He was named after Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer – given a previous owners’ love of the St. James’ Park football club.
Matt said: “Alan was my boy, my companion, and my best friend. Losing him has been one of the hardest experiences of my entire life.
“For me, the grief has been as traumatic as any human loss I have experienced. And while not everyone will understand that, it is why I have had to give it the same processes and energy as a human bereavement.
“Pets are a huge part of our lives – Alan was a constant through good times and bad, and our bond felt unbreakable. His loss has left a massive physical void – popping to the pub or coffee shop without him isn’t as fun any more.”
The broadcaster and animal welfare campaigner, who has been an RSPCA Ambassador for 10 years, is urging people going through similar bereavement to speak up and get support – including by using the new toolkit on the RSPCA’s website.
Matt added: “To recover, I have had to prioritise self care. I’ve had therapy, and been open about my struggles with my friends.
“There has been sadness and anger, but if there is one thing I have learned from this experience, it’s that people need to take pet loss seriously.
“That’s why I’m so supportive of the RSPCA’s Not Just a Pet campaign. There’s so many great resources on the RSPCA website that remind people they do not have to go through this process alone.”
Matt is one of countless owners across the country who grapple with pet loss each year; but the RSPCA fears this grief is too often not taken seriously enough.
But the charity hopes its dedicated new toolkit will help bring about societal change – including helping those who are bereaved to feel supported and less alone; and helping wider society to take pet grief seriously.
The online toolkit available on the RSPCA’s website, offers expert guidance, advice and tools on navigating pet loss including: how to cope with pet loss; saying goodbye to your pet and supporting people around you who have lost a pet.
Jo Deadman, Senior In Memory Manager at the RSPCA, added: “Pet grief is real and deserves to be seen, supported and spoken about.
“For a huge number of pet owners, just like Matt, their companion is rightly regarded as a member of their family – and the pain of losing them can be deeply intense, and heartbreaking.
“At the RSPCA, we know pets aren’t just pets – they’re often our best friends and our family. Results of our recent survey show how difficult losing them can be, yet many feel society doesn’t take pet grief seriously enough.
“That’s why we’ve launched our Not Just A Pet campaign, including a new online toolkit, supporting all of those experiencing pet grief to feel seen and heard: and providing resources we hope will prove a lifeline for those mourning the loss of a beloved pet.”
The RSPCA has also launched a new event – Walk to Remember – giving the public an opportunity to proactively remember a beloved pet.
The event will take place on National Pet Memorial Day on September 14 – and those wishing to remember a pet can sign up online, and complete the walk anywhere they wish.
Jo added: “Walk To Remember gives people the chance to come together with their friends and family and do something meaningful to remember and celebrate their beloved pet, while raising vital funds to help other animals.”
