Helping Those Who have Lost a Pet

Be physically and emotionally present for support. A simple touch on the shoulder, holding hands or hugging will let the bereaved know they are not alone. Being available to help with meals and small errands in days and weeks immediately following the death may be especially helpful.
Allow the bereaved to express their grief and emotions without judgment. It is very important to allow the person(s) to show their emotions without fear of rejection. For them, being allowed to talk, cry and review their lost relationships is very necessary to the healing process.
Encourage the bereaved to talk and be willing to listen. Open discussion of the pet (both positive and negative) are essential to the healing process. Encourage them to identify, express, and accept their feelings.
Assure them that grieving is natural. It will be especially helpful to calm fears such as "I feel like I'm going crazy". This is especially important with a person who has lost their beloved pet. Our society today does not really validate the grief process over the loss of a pet.
Be sure to encourage self-compassion. There truly is no time table to be feeling or not feeling a certain way.
Express your feelings. Show your genuine concern. Share your feelings also, especially if the loss affects you.
Familiarize yourself with grief counseling groups in the weeks that follow the loss. Be prepared to offer this support.

Do not measure their loss, do not compare or demean.
Do not tell the griever, "you should", feel better because they may have other pets still alive.
Do not tell them not to cry!
Do not encourage escape or flight.
Do your best to not allow the griever to isolate themselves.
Do not be alarmed if the person continues to talk about the loss repeatedly. This process is essential to the healing process.

Be prepared through their grieving process to experience some changes. This may, or usually always will, invoke dramatic changes to peoples lives.