Pet Sympathy & Condolence Messages

Losing someone we love is the hardest thing we’ll ever face, and for most pet lovers, losing a pet is no different. As a matter of fact, research has shown that the pain of losing a pet is often worse than the pain of losing a human loved one, which comes as no surprise to many pet owners who’ve had to say goodbye to their loyal companions.

What to Say in a Pet Sympathy Card

So how do you show up and support someone when this sorrowful day comes? What to write in a pet sympathy message is not so different at all from a sympathy message you’d write when someone you know loses their human friend or family member, so you can use those same words of sympathy for the loss of a pet, too, knowing they’re just as appropriate to share.

There are, however, one or two minor stumbling blocks that might trip you up, so we’ll call out those things you might want to stay away from. Even though your intentions are good, there are certain things that are better left unsaid because they can do the opposite of what you intend and come across more hurtful.

Supportive Pet Bereavement Messages

What to say in a pet sympathy card can range from simple and comforting to more thoughtful and specific. Here are examples you can use in your own loss of pet message.

I'm just so sorry.
[Scarlet] sure was lucky to have you in her life.
She/he was one in a million.
Your pet had such a wonderful life with you. I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye.
They were lucky to have had you love them so much.
You’re not alone. I understand your grief and know there’s a hole in your heart. I’m here.
You loved them with everything you had; that’s what all pets want the most.
What a loss for you and the kids. I’m so sorry.
Love goes on and continues, and you two will always be connected.
[Sandy] was the best dog ever. I’m sorry you have to go through this.
Their spirit will stay with you forever, loyal and true.
[Bear] was so special and so lucky to have you to love him.
What a special life he/she lived and what a gift you gave him/her.
This breaks my heart for you. I am so, so sorry.
I know how much he/she meant to you. Know that you’re in my thoughts.
I can imagine how much it hurts, and I’m wishing you comfort.
I’m so sorry you lost your best friend. What a special and gentle soul he/she was.
There will be days you won’t be able to catch your breath, but please remember that you gave them the most amazing gift of what it means to be loved.

Comforting Words for Loss of Pet

Animal lovers are usually animal lovers for life, so they may very well get another pet in the future, but right now they’re grieving the loss of their loyal companion. The above examples don't minimize their suffering, but instead they assure that the person was as good to their pet as their pet was to their family and don’t suggest that their pet was replaceable.

When writing a pet sympathy card, try not to say: “I know how you feel. I lost my dog last year/two years ago,” etc.

First, you don’t really know how they feel about their pet. Did you live with their pet? Care for it? Know its unique personality? Share road trips and life experiences like they did with their pet? No. You know how you felt when you lost your pet, but we can’t presume to “know” exactly how others feel.

Also, turning the attention to you and the loss of your pet is, quite frankly, insensitive. You might think you’re letting them know that you relate, but what you’re really doing is shifting the focus to yourself and your loss, when you’re supposed to be showing up for them.

What to Say if Someone's Pet Was Dealing With Health Issues

Many pet owners might blame themselves for not doing enough or wishing they could have done more. And even if there were no known health issues, a sudden death that came on quickly, or an unfortunate accident, oftentimes leaves owners with tremendous guilt for not acting quickly enough or doing the right thing.

You did all you could do. I know they were so grateful for your good care.
Please don’t blame yourself. You did the best thing for them that you could – you loved them fiercely, with your whole heart. Do you know how amazing that is?
You showed them true love by letting them go; that’s the purest act of love there is.
He/she loved you so much for all the help you gave him/her.
You tried so hard to care for them in the best way you could; he/she knew that, and I know he/she loved you with all his/her heart for being so devoted.
They were so lucky to have you care for them with so much love.
You did everything you could possibly do, but his/her body just got too tired. The most important thing is, he/she knew how much you loved him/her and they took your love with them.

Try not to say something like, “Good thing you’ve still got [name of other pet].” Let them be the judge of whether they’re grateful to still have another pet. Right now, they’re in grief mode, and it’s not your job to shift them into gratitude mode.

Pet Sympathy Quotes & Pet Loss Sympathy Sayings

Including a sympathy quote for the loss of a pet, or maybe even a sympathy poem, offers an extra bit of comfort.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” —Anatole France
“Ask the beasts and they will teach you the beauty of this earth.” —St. Francis of Assisi
“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” – Khalil Gibran
“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” —Immanuel Kant
“What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose; all that we love deeply, become a part of us.” —Helen Keller
“Nothing loved is ever lost.” —Ellen Brenneman

Sympathy Quotes for Loss of a Dog

Consider sharing sympathy quotes for loss of dog if you know it was a pup who left a paw print on their heart.

“Someone asked me what the most difficult thing about owning a dog was. I replied, ‘The goodbye.’" —Anonymous
"The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be.” —Konrad Lorenz

Share Memories and Give General sympathy

Be supportive, offer comfort and don't compare your loss to theirs. It may be similar but leave it up to them to make that connection or comparison. Understand that this is a process — one that moves at its own pace. If you listen and offer your sympathy and support, you will have done the best thing you can.

I’m so sorry to hear that you lost your precious little one, and hope in time that your memories heal you with enduring love.
In heaven, a kitty angel is now waiting for you with a heartful of purrs. Until you meet again, I hope you take comfort in the precious time you shared on earth.
Like soul mates, the bond you and [Name] shared was beyond special and will never, ever go away.

Condolence Message for a Dog

Dogs play a unique role in the lives of their human companions — whether it’s friend, protector, healer, comedian, playmate or #1 admirer. So, when they leave this existence, it’s a good idea to write a special condolence message for a dog. Here are a few sample messages for mourning a dearly departed doggo:

Losing a dog is like losing a member of the family. My heartfelt condolences for the passing of your beloved [dog/Name].
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear dog. May the strength of their love and loyalty live on and comfort you always.
My heart goes out to you and your family as you grieve the loss of your one-of-a-kind dog.

Create Your Own Pet Sympathy Card

Creatacard™ is ideal for writing a thoughtful, extremely personalized message of sympathy for a loss of a pet. Our easy-to-use card maker not only lets you type in comforting words for a loss of a pet, but also add photos and video. Together with your signature and customized envelope, this digital card package can be sent online in minutes via email, text or social media to anyone who deserves consoling.

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Brought to You by the Writers of American Greetings
We are a team of writers and editors with decades of experience creating happiness, laughter and love for American Greetings. When we’re not writing greeting cards and other celebrations content for the company, we are award-winning authors, bloggers, world travelers, singers, photographers, parents, grandparents and pet owners. Most of us live in Cleveland, Ohio, home to American Greetings Corporate Headquarters for over 100 years.