Animal lovers unite for National Pet Memorial Day

PET owners are being invited to honour their lost companions and unite for National Pet Memorial Day.

The event, organised by The Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors, takes place on Sunday, September 14, and gives people the chance to pause and pay tribute in a way that brings them comfort.

Suggestions include creating a memory box with photos, toys or pawprints; planting a living tribute such as a tree, rose or bio-urn; lighting a candle or holding a family ceremony to share stories; writing a tribute or obituary to celebrate a pet’s life, or to give back in their name by donating, fostering or volunteering.

The association says even the smallest rituals, such as a quiet walk in a favourite place, can offer healing.

It says a survey has shown that there are over 13.5 million dogs (36% of households), 12.5 million cats (29%), and millions of other pets in UK households.

Since COVID, calls to pet bereavement counsellors have risen by 49%, reflecting the nation’s growing need for support when facing such profound loss.

Association co-founder Lucy Cussen said: “Grieving a pet is valid and deeply human. Our pets aren’t just animals — they’re family.

“Their absence leaves a silence in the home and a space in the heart that feels impossible to fill. National Pet Memorial Day reminds us that while they may no longer walk beside us, they remain forever in our hearts.”

For elderly people, those living alone or families facing hardship, pets are often the greatest source of daily love and comfort.

Service animals bring independence and security while rescue animals often forge especially deep bonds.

Lucy said: “When they leave us, it isn’t just the loss of a pet. It’s the loss of routine, of companionship and of unconditional love.”