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Step 1
Stick to the routine your animal is used to. This is the most important step, and includes feeding times with a particular food brand, regular walks, normal cleaning and litter box changes, fresh water and playtime. If you can follow your pet's normal routine for at least a week, you can modify it for your own time table if necessary. Slowly do so in 1/2 hour increments. For example, if your pet was fed a treat every day at noon by your child, and you have lunch break at 1 p.m., start giving the treat at 12:30 after the first week, and then the following week switch it to 1 to fit in with your schedule.
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Step 2
Give your pet attention. The attention that your pet would receive from your child is what it is going to miss the most. This is a step that will help both you and your pet adjust to the new home life. It does not have to be the exact same kind of attention your pet was used to. Give your pet positive care in your own way, and it will adjust immediately.
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Step 3
Distract your pet from sadness. If crying for the loss of their best friend becomes a regular issue, use the same disciplinary tool parents have used for young children for centuries: Get your pet's mind on something else. It eases the crying and pain your pet is experiencing, and occupies you with something while you adjust to your child being gone.
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Step 4
Stay calm, and see the situation for what it is. Your pet is suffering. If the crying, accidents or uncommon misbehavior of your pet are starting to test your patience, take a break and remove yourself from the location until you are calm again.
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Step 5
Find a new activity that both of you will enjoy. It distracts both of you from feeling despondent, while creating a new bond between you and your pet.
