What To Do After Your Pet Passes

Losing a pet is one of the hardest things a person can go through. Whether you had a dog, cat, horse, or any beloved animal that was like a companion, the grief is real and the loss is profound. Here are some meaningful ways to honor their memory and begin to heal.

Allow Yourself to Grieve

The bond between a person and their pet is unlike any other. Dogs greet you at the door every single day. Cats curl up beside you through your hardest nights. Horses carry you through years of trust and competitions. There are times they may have upset you, but their loyalty is lasting. Losing that presence leaves a silence that is hard to describe. Give yourself permission to feel it.

Gather Your Favorite Photos While Memories Are Fresh

In the days after losing a pet, go through your photos and find one where your pet looks their best. A photo where their face is clear, their eyes are visible, and the lighting is pretty. It does not need to be professionally taken — but a portrait style photo will give Jules the best foundation to work from and ensure your finished painting looks stunning. If you have a professional portrait, that can work too. Remember we can change the background your pet is in, if needed.

Consider How You Want to Honor Them

Every pet owner finds their own way to say goodbye. Some choose their burial in a favorite spot. Some choose cremation and keep their ashes close. Some plant a tree or create a small garden in their memory. There is no right or wrong way — only what feels true to the bond you shared.

Create a Lasting Tribute

One of the most meaningful ways to honor a pet is to turn a favorite photograph into a hand painted portrait. Unlike a digital print, a hand painted portrait on canvas becomes a permanent piece of art — something you can hang on your wall and see every single day. Jules has created memorial portraits for dogs, cats, and horses, working from photos new or old, and in some cases restoring damaged photographs to bring a beloved pet back to life on canvas. She also has combined pets into one portrait to make it look like they were all together at one time.

Be Patient With Yourself

Grief does not follow a schedule. Some days will feel easier than others. Surround yourself with people who understand the bond you had. And know that honoring your pet's memory — in whatever way feels right — is one of the most loving things you can do. It’s ok to cry, to miss them, and it’s ok to bring a new member in. But having a portrait of them to make you smile is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

FAQ For Dealing With A Loss Of A Pet

Is it normal to grieve as much for a pet as a person?

Absolutely. For many people a pet is a daily companion for years or even decades. The grief you feel is real and valid and deserves to be honored just like any other loss. It’s ok.

How long does pet grief last?

There is no set timeline. Some people begin to feel better within weeks, others take months. The depth of your grief often reflects the depth of the bond. Be patient with yourself and don't let anyone tell you how long is too long. You will know when it’s right for you to get another pet to love. Everyone mourns differently.

Should I get another pet after losing one?

Only you can answer that. Some people find comfort in welcoming a new companion relatively quickly. That’s exactly what I did. I was excited that a new puppy would soon be on the way but I think the breeder took advantage of my emotional state. With that said, I would wait at least a week before committing. Others need time. Neither choice is wrong. A new pet never replaces the one you lost — they simply bring a different kind of love.

How do I help my children cope with losing a pet?

Be honest with them in an age appropriate way. Allow them to grieve and express their feelings. Creating a small memorial together — like a portrait or a memory box — can give children a meaningful way to process their loss and keep their pet's memory alive. I personally feel that seeing a beautiful portrait like the ones we create on your wall or shelf, is a happy memory.

What are some meaningful ways to memorialize a pet?

There are many ways to honor your cherished pet — planting a tree, creating a memory garden, or keeping a favorite photo close. One of the most lasting tributes is turning a favorite photograph into a hand painted portrait on canvas. It becomes something you see and feel every single day rather than a memory tucked away in your phone.

Your pet gave you everything they had. A memorial portrait is a way of saying — I will never forget you.