RSPCA unveils new pet grief support project

A new campaign, which aims to encourage bereaved pet owners to seek support in their grief, has been launched by the RSPCA.

The Not Just a Pet initiative was set up after a survey for the charity found that only 6.9% of participants believed the issue was taken sufficiently seriously by wider society.

Supporters are also being encouraged to remember their own pets by taking part in a new fund-raising initiative this weekend.

Real grief

RSPCA senior in memory manager Jo Deadman said: “Pet grief is real and deserves to be seen, supported and spoken about.”

The campaign’s launch follows a survey of pet grief, which attracted around 2,800 responses during a one-week period in May.

More than half of respondents (57.8%) said they felt there was a stigma around pet grief, while similar numbers admitted hiding their grief (57.1%) or not being able to find support (56.7%).

Online toolkit

The initiative includes an online toolkit, which covers topics including coping with pet loss and supporting people who are experiencing it.

The charity has also opened registrations for a new Walk to Remember, which will take place this Sunday (14 September), to coincide with National Pet Memorial Day.