Pet Loss Books for Adults

When a family pet dies, your feelings of grief surrounding that loss are real and deserve the same respect as if it where any other family member. Wendy Khentigan, M.D. is a psychiatrist who addresses grief and trauma in her every day practice in Encinitas, California. Wendy provides a list of her favorite pet loss books for adults that assist in coping with that grief, and with the difficult decisions one faces upon the loss of a pet.

 Pet Loss Books

Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost A Pet, by Gary Kowalski (2012)

Although this is a brief book, it provides warmth and comfort incorporating spiritual aspects to coping with grief. Get the book.

Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die, by Jon Katz (2012)

New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz, a natural storyteller, provides an intimate look at saying goodbye to the pet you love. A heartrending book that all animal lovers will find refreshing and honest in its depiction of grief over pet loss. Get the book. 

The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice From Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups, by Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio and Nancy Saxton Lopez (2013)

Good advice on taking care of yourself and loved ones in times of grief. A concise guide with lots of information based on years of experience. Get the book.

How To Roar: Pet Loss Grief Recovery ,by Robin Jean Brown (2005)

This is a how to guide on working through grief with exercises to journal. This may be of particular benefit to anyone going through loss of their first pet. Get the book.

 You Can Heal Your Heart: Finding Peace After A Breakup, Divorce or Death, by Louise Hay and David Kessler (2014)

This is a wonderful book that addresses grief and provides support, comfort, and practical advice about how to minimize suffering. There is a chapter dedicated to honoring pet loss, however, entire book contains information that may be of benefit to anyone experiencing loss. Get the book.

Wendy A. Khentigan, M.D. graduated from New York Medical College. She completed her residency in psychiatry at the University of California San Diego where she served as a chief resident during her final year. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. She has completed her certification in Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, a technique particularly effective in addressing grief as well as trauma. She has been in private practice in Encinitas since 1994. A lifelong animal lover, she has a special interest in animal welfare and the people who care for animals.