Pet Loss Books

The loss of a beloved pet can be an incredibly challenging experience, especially for children who may be grappling with these emotions for the first time. Books can provide comfort, understanding, and a way to process grief during this difficult time. Whether you’re helping a young child say goodbye to their first pet or looking for guidance as an adult, the right book can be a powerful companion on your journey through loss.

Pet Loss Books for Children

These books are recommendations and not endorsements. It is advised for parents to read reviews of the book and read the book themselves prior to reading the book to children to ensure a proper fit to your family.                       

• "Goodbye For Now" by Dr. Lynsey Victoria Rinelli 2024 Explores the deep bond between a child and their dog who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness
• "My Pet Memory Book: To Help a Child through the Loss of Their Pet" by S. Wallace 2019  A memory book for children
• “The Invisible Leash” by Patrice Karst 2019  Written for children but is good for adults too
• "Grief is a Mess" by Jackie Schuld 2015  Grief in general with animal illustrations for young/early school age children
• “The Goodbye Book” by Todd Parr 2015  For younger children ages 0-4
• “A Rainbow Bridge for Gus: A Story about the Loss of a Pet” by Barbara Bareis Rigabar 2014  For children with a special memory page at the end of the book
• "I Miss My Pet" by Pat Thomas 2012  For younger children
• "Bill at the Rainbow Bridge" by Dan Carrison 2011  For older children/teenagers
• "Forever Paws" by Christine Davis 2011  Written for elementary age children but adults can appreciate too
• "Saying Goodbye to Lulu" by Corinne Demas 2009  For those needing a book without religious discussion
• “Tear Soup” by Pat Schweibert and Chuck DeKlyen 2006  For children and adults about grief in general
• "Jasper’s Day" by Marjorie Blain Parker 2004  Children's book about preparing and letting go
• "For Every Dog an Angel" by Christine Davis 2004  For elementary age children    
• "For Every Cat an Angel" by Christine Davis 2001  For elementary age children
• “When a Pet Dies” by Fred Rogers 1998  An older book for younger children that explains anticipating death and death in a sensitive and factual way

Pet Loss Books for Adults

These books are recommendations and not endorsements. It is advised to read reviews of the book to ensure a proper fit to you and your family.

Books

• “Goodbye Old Friend: The Euthanasia of Your Horse” by David A Jefferson, DVM 2021
• “Missing Pieces… Broken Heart: A Recovery Guide for the Grief and Sorrow of Pet Loss” by B.J. Shonk 2017
• “Buried Deep in our Hearts” by Tracie Barton-Barrett 2016
• “Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet” by Moira Anderson Allen M.Ed. 2015
• “Heart Dog: Surviving the Loss of Your Canine Soul Mate” by Roxanne Hawn 2015
• “The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice from Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups” by Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio and Nancy Saxton-Lopez 2013
• "Bill at Rainbow Bridge" by Dan Carrison 2010
• “ When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering, and Healing” by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. 2004
• “Three Cats, Two Dogs: One Journey through Multiple Pet Loss” by David Congalton by 2000

Journals and Workbooks

• “Forget Me Not Pet Remembrance Grief Journal & Memory Book: Horse Loss Bereavement Diary” by Sosha Publishing 2019
• "A 30-day Guide to Healing from the Loss of Your Pet" by Gael J. Ross, LCSW 2011
• “My Pet Remembrance Journal” by Enid Traisman MSW 2010
• “The Kingdom of Heart: A Pet Loss Journal” by Patty L. Luckenbach 2005