Many grieving pet owners eventually come face to face with a quiet reality: not everyone recognises pet loss as real grief. While friends or family may struggle to know what to say, the misunderstanding can feel especially heavy in workplaces where expectations to “carry on as normal” remain unchanged.

Unlike the loss of a human family member, the passing of a pet is rarely acknowledged through formal bereavement leave. Some people find themselves returning to work the very next day, sitting through meetings or answering emails while carrying a weight that feels invisible to everyone else in the room. The contrast between internal emotion and external expectation can be exhausting.

It’s not uncommon for employers or colleagues to minimise the experience without realising the impact of their words. Comments such as “at least it wasn’t a person” or “you can always get another one” often come from discomfort rather than intention, but they can leave grieving owners feeling dismissed or unsupported. For many, pets are constant companions - present through life’s quieter moments, offering stability and routine that is deeply felt when it disappears.

Workplaces are slowly beginning to recognise the importance of emotional wellbeing, but policies have not always caught up with the reality of pet grief. Some employers are compassionate and flexible, allowing personal leave or offering understanding without needing formal recognition. Others may not fully grasp why someone needs time or space after losing an animal they loved.

If you find yourself navigating grief while balancing professional responsibilities, it can help to approach conversations with gentle honesty. You don’t need to justify the depth of your bond, but sharing a simple statement - that your pet was a significant part of your life and that you may need a little patience while you adjust - can sometimes create a bridge of understanding.

At the same time, it’s okay to acknowledge that not everyone will understand. Protecting your energy might mean keeping explanations brief or seeking support outside of work where your feelings are more easily held. Communities, friends who share a love of animals, or quiet spaces that recognise pet grief can offer reassurance when professional environments feel emotionally distant.

Grief does not become less real simply because it isn’t written into workplace policies. The absence of formal recognition doesn’t erase the years of companionship, trust and shared life that existed. Allow yourself to honour what you’re feeling, even if the world around you continues at its usual pace.