How do I tell my child our pet died?
The AAP suggests telling your child the truth in plain, gentle words, such as that your pet died, and letting them cry, ask questions and say goodbye in their own way. Your own sadness is allowed. Tufts University runs a pet loss support helpline for grown-ups, and Peabody has a memory book to make together.
Checked October 29, 2026.
Asked by families like yours and answered by Peabody editors. How we write and check. For your own pet, your vet knows best.
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Sources
- AAP HealthyChildren: When a pet dies, how to help your child cope (updated 26 May 2023) (checked October 29, 2026)
- Tufts Cummings School: Pet Loss Support Helpline (checked October 29, 2026)