Evaluation of the emotional impact after a loss of a pet

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the emotional understanding of those responsible after the loss of a companion animal, since their life expectancy is lower than that of humans, being therefore one of the first disconsolations to be experienced and overcome. It was found that in 78% of the cases, grief and all forms of emotional repercussions, even though they are relevant, mainly the feeling being equivalent to the loss of a family member in 50% of the cases, loneliness with 11% and 9% guilt, did not prevent them from having it again in their lives, as 75% had a pet in their homes again, even though 27% did not feel their grief validated or supported. The benefits of having lived with them was a decisive factor, as 90% were happier to have them in their lives, which led to the desire to welcome them into their home again, as 72% said they brought more happiness to the home and 13% felt emotional support from their company and 5% for empathy. In addition, 95% are interested in their children being able to share contact with an animal during their youth. The obstacles of the 25% of cases that did not have an animal again were; the lack of psychological preparation to go through the mourning again, financial impossibility, restricted space, lack of time and trauma of the lived experience with 40, 16, 16, 12 and 16% respectively.