What to Write in a Sympathy Card for Someone Grieving a Pet

Anyone who has ever had a pet knows just how distressing it can be when they finally leave us. Saying goodbye to a pet can leave you mourning your beloved companion, but it can also be difficult to navigate when trying to explain to people why you are upset. Not everyone understands the grief attached to losing a pet, which could lead to difficult conversations.

One of the best ways to support someone who has lost a beloved pet is to provide some balance to these interactions. By showing that you understand and appreciate their grief, it can help them to better navigate conversations with those who do not understand these complex feelings.

In this guide, we’re exploring the role of sympathy cards for those who have lost a pet and how you can craft the perfect message that voices your support for them in their time of need.

Why do we send sympathy cards?

Sympathy cards are a cultural norm in many countries. They are used to express grief over the loss of a person, while also showing support for those who have lost someone. You don’t have to have known the deceased to send a sympathy card. When it comes to pets, you might never have met the pet in question, but if you know that the pet was very meaningful to a person, then it’s perfectly fine to send a sympathy card.

As mentioned above, not everyone will understand the pain of losing a pet, so it can be helpful to provide some balance in the interactions. A single sympathy card expressing support can bring a much needed boost for someone who is grieving the loss of a beloved pet.

It’s a great way to let someone know that you recognise their grief and that it’s important to you, because they are important to you. It might seem like a simple act, but it can bring a lot of comfort during this difficult time.

What to write in a sympathy card for a pet

Once you have chosen your sympathy card, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to say. The overall message you are sending is that you are thinking of them during this difficult time. You are acknowledging that losing a pet is difficult and that their grief is seen and understood.

You could write something simple like:

“I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your pet, [Name]. Thinking of you during this difficult time.”

You can also highlight the importance pets play in our lives. For example, you could write:

“Thinking of you as you grieve the loss of your beautiful [dog/cat/etc.]. They were family, and they’ll always hold a place in your heart.”

If the pet was a rescue, you can highlight how this meeting was a blessing for the pet. You might write:

“There are no words that can take away the pain, but please know I’m holding you in my thoughts. [Pet’s name] was lucky to be so loved.”

It’s also possible to centre the pet, and highlight that you were also familiar with how beloved this pet was.

“[Pet’s name] brought so much joy into your life, and into the lives of everyone who met them. What a beautiful bond you shared."

Or you could write something like,

"They may be gone, but their pawprints will stay on your heart forever."

You might also elaborate on your experience of the pet, highlighting a favourite memory. This could be accompanied with a message of support, such as:

“When the time is right, I hope the memories of [Pet’s name] bring you more smiles than tears.”

You can customise the message to be delivered in your own natural voice, or combine sentiments from these examples to create something that is unique to you.

Gifts to give alongside your card

If you know the person very well, you might want to give them a small gift to show them you care. The gift could be something simple like a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates, or it could be personalised, such as a candle with their pet’s name on it.

Memorial jewellery is another popular gift idea to give alongside a card. This can contain the ashes or hair of their pet, or it could be engraved with the pet’s name. You don’t have to have access to the fur or the ashes, you could also give the person a voucher to make the jewellery when they are ready.

Another popular gift for someone grieving the loss of a pet would be a customised urn. This can be engraved or marked with the pet’s paw print to make it unique and one of a kind. It would be a beautiful way to let someone know that you recognise the pain they are experiencing.