When one pet in the household passes away, families often face another difficult question:

“Will my other pets know that their companion is gone?”

We cannot know exactly how animals understand death. However, many pets form close bonds with one another. When a familiar companion suddenly disappears, they may notice the changes in their environment and routine. Some may show behaviours associated with grief, such as searching for their companion, becoming quieter, eating or sleeping differently, becoming more attached to their human family, or losing interest in activities they normally enjoy.

Every pet responds differently. Some may actively look for their companion, while others may show only subtle changes. Some may appear to carry on as normal. A pet that does not show an obvious reaction is not necessarily unaffected; they may simply be adapting in their own way.

Can Other Pets Say Goodbye?

If the situation is appropriate and the family feels comfortable, you may consider allowing the surviving pet to see, smell or spend a little time with their companion after they have passed away.

This is not something that every family must do, and there is no single correct approach. Some pets may quietly observe or sniff their companion before walking away. Others may show very little reaction.

The most important things are:

• Let the human family decide what feels right for them.

• Never force a pet to approach or interact with the body.

• Allow the pet to choose whether to come closer, observe or leave.

• Keep the environment quiet and calm.

• Ask a veterinarian for advice if there are concerns about aggression, extreme fear or possible infectious disease.

• Do not feel pressured to arrange this if you are not emotionally ready.

Allowing another pet to say goodbye is not about completing a procedure. It is simply another option that may give them the opportunity to respond to the change in their own way.

Resoul Welcomes Their Favourite Companion

At Resoul, we understand that a pet who passes away is not living alone.

They may have a closest friend who slept beside them every day, played with them, or shared the same home for many years. For this reason, saying goodbye does not always have to involve only the human family.

At Resoul, you may bring your pet’s closest companion along to share in their final goodbye.

They may be able to:

• Spend quiet time beside their companion.

• Observe from a comfortable distance.

• Approach and sniff at their own pace.

• Remain with the family during the farewell.

• Bring comfort through a familiar toy, blanket or personal item.

• Share one final peaceful moment in the same space.

At Resoul, we can provide a private and unhurried setting for your family. We understand that this goodbye may belong not only to the humans, but also to two companions who have shared their everyday lives.

Signs of Grief in Other Pets

After a companion passes away, the surviving pet may:

• Search around the home or wait in familiar places.

• Become quieter, withdrawn or more anxious.

• Seek more attention from their human family.

• Vocalise more than usual.

• Pace or appear restless.

• Eat less or change their eating habits.

• Sleep more or sleep less.

• Lose interest in play or other familiar activities.

• Show changes in grooming, toileting or social behaviour.rspca.org+1

These changes may be connected to the loss of a companion, but they may also indicate pain, illness or another source of stress. It is important not to assume that every behavioural change is simply grief.

How Can You Support Them?

Keep Their Routine Familiar

Try to maintain regular mealtimes, cleaning, play and rest periods. A predictable routine can help pets feel more secure after a major change at home.vet.cornell+1

Offer Choice, Not Pressure

Some pets become more attached to their humans, while others prefer more space. Offer companionship, but do not force them to play, eat or interact before they are ready.

Monitor Their Appetite and Health

Pay attention to food and water intake, weight, urination and bowel movements. If your pet stops eating or drinking, becomes very weak, loses weight, vomits, has diarrhoea or shows other concerning symptoms, contact a veterinarian promptly. Ongoing behavioural changes should not automatically be attributed to grief.vet.cornell+1

Comfort Them in Familiar Ways

You can support your pet by:

• Sitting quietly beside them.

• Offering gentle affection if they welcome it.

• Keeping play sessions short and familiar.

• Providing their favourite toys or enrichment activities.

• Keeping their usual bed and resting areas available.

• Speaking to them calmly.

There is no need to rush them back to “normal”. Some pets may need several weeks, or longer, to adjust to life without their companion.

Remember to Care for Yourself

When you are grieving and also caring for another pet, it can feel exhausting and overwhelming.

You do not have to manage everyone’s emotions at once, and you do not need to bring another pet into the home immediately to fill the empty space. Focus on basic routines, and ask family members or trusted friends to help with care and observation when needed.

If you would like your surviving pet to take part in the farewell, you can contact Resoul in advance and share information about their species, size, number of pets and temperament. We can discuss the arrangements and practical considerations with your family, so the visit can take place in a calm, safe and unhurried setting.

Every Family Can Say Goodbye in Its Own Way

Some pets may approach their companion and quietly sniff them. Some may look briefly and walk away. Others may choose to stay close to their human family instead.

There is no right or wrong reaction.

A farewell does not need to follow a fixed ritual, and your pet does not need to show an obvious response for the moment to be meaningful. What matters is that the family and the surviving pet are given the choice to spend this time together safely and peacefully.

At Resoul, we hope to give every family that choice:

Your beloved pet can bring their favourite companion along to share in their final goodbye.