Pet Loss Counseling for Kids: When to Get Another Pet

"There isn't a specific time table for when it's the right time to get a new pet. It really is a family type of decision. It is nice if you can involve the kids when you feel that the time is right. I would encourage families not to rush out and try to get another pet very soon after. What that does is, it's really not fair to the new pet because a lot of times the kids and the families are comparing it a lot to the pet that just died. And also, it doesn't give you adequate time to be able to just really grieve and just sit with some of the feelings, the painful feelings that is natural and normal to have after a pet dies. But when you do feel that it is time, it is great if you can involve the kids. I mean, ultimately the adults are going to be making the decision, but as much as you can involve the kids in that process, researching different types of pets online, going to the library, getting books about different pets, maybe visiting animal shelters, those are all wonderful ways for kids to be involved in that process. And again, it is an individual decision, but you want to make sure that you're not going and jumping into it where it becomes more of a replacement pet. Or going out and getting a pet that' basically like a carbon copy of the pet that died. Because ultimately you're sending the message that that animal's replaceable as opposed to going through that grieving and healing process and then eventually getting a different animal."