15 Things to Say in a Pet Sympathy Card

Written by Adam Dorsay, PsyD | Edited by Caroline Heiderscheit

Last Updated: May 24, 2022

For many people, losing a pet is like losing a member of the family—so what can you say to show your support in their time of grief? The truth is, there are no perfect words. But handwrite a condolence card, and you’ll offer them comfort in their time of need. Your words can be a huge source of strength, and we'll give you all the tools you need so you can support your friend in their time of need. To learn how to write the perfect pet sympathy card, read on.

This article is based on an interview with our licensed psychologist, Adam Dorsay. Check out the full interview here.

1

“I heard the terrible news. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Sometimes, it’s best to simply acknowledge the pain of their grief. In your card, explain that you know this person is hurting and, even more importantly, that you’re sorry they’re facing such a loss. Your words can help them to feel understood and supported.^{[1]
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- “This is awful news. I wish you weren’t going through this.”
- “I’m so sorry to hear about Eddie. My deepest condolences.”

2

“My heart hurts for you. Sending all of my love and hugs.”

Let this person know that they’re not alone in their grief. Explain that because you care about this person, when they’re hurting, you’re hurting. Then, remind them that even though you’re not with them, you’re still offering all of your love and comfort.^{[2]
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- “I’m heartbroken for you. Wish I was there to give you a big hug.”
- “I’m devastated on your behalf. Sending all of my love your way.”

3

“May memories of love and joy comfort you in your grief.”

Help them focus on a positive: that their heart is full of joyful memories. Remind this person that even in their grief, nothing can take away the amazing moments they shared with their pet. If you yourself have a nice memory with their pet, include that in your pet sympathy card as well.^{[3]
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- “Remember watching Fido swim after us in the lake? Nothing can take those memories away.”
- “Just remember that you have so many amazing memories with Mimi—and you’ll always have them.”

4

“Remember that Rocky will always live in your heart.”

Explain that when you love someone, they never really leave you. In your card, write a simple message that’ll serve as a huge source of comfort for this person. Remind them that no matter what, because they loved their pet, they’ll always be with them.^{[4]
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- “When we love someone, they never really leave us. And I know how much you loved Izzy.”
- “No matter where you go and what you do, you’ll always carry Nellie’s spirit along with you.”

5

“Spot was such a kind soul. He’ll always watch over you.”

Let them know that their pet was truly special. Every pet touches their owner’s heart in their own way—celebrate this person’s unique bond with their pet in your card. This will help them feel validated in their grief.^{[5]
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- “Louie was such a gentle cat. There really wasn’t anyone like him!”
- “No one could warm a heart quite like Fuzzy. We’ll miss her dearly.”

6

“We all share in your sorrow. Little Joey was so loved.”

Remind this person that their pet was adored by many. Celebrate the effect their pet had on others, and you’ll warm this person’s heart. Years down the line when they’re missing their pet, they’ll be able to return to your letter and remember how loved their furry friend was.
- “This loss will leave a huge hole in the hearts of many. Spike will be so missed.”
- “We all love Emmy so, so much. She’ll never be forgotten.”

7

“The bond you shared with Toby can never be broken.”

Remind this person that their friendship transcends their loss. In your card, let them know that you understand the depth of the bond they shared with their pet. Then, explain that their relationship is too strong to ever really end.
- “Your friendship with Puff is so special. You’ll always have it in your heart.”
- “No matter what, nothing can take away the friendship you shared with Brady.”

8

“I’m so glad you two found each other in such a big world.”

Love is a miracle—so remind them of this in your card. While they’re grieving, they may only be able to feel the pain of their loss. But write them a message about how grateful you are that this person found a pet they loved so much, and one day, they’ll be able to return to your card, smile, and agree with you.
- “It’s a miracle that you two got to spend so much time together. I’m so grateful you did.”
- “Dev was the sweetest dog on the planet. I’m so happy that you two were able to spend 15 incredible years by each others’ sides.”

9

“I know she was your best friend in the world. I’m so sorry.”

Tell your friend that you know their pet was a close pal. A lot of times, when people lose pets, their support system won’t recognize the depth of their friendship and loss. In your card, let them know that you understand that they shared a real, genuine bond with their pet.
- “I know she meant the world to you. Sending thoughts and prayers.”
- “I know that you and Rory were extremely close. I’m so sorry.”

10

“I’m so sorry you lost a beloved family member.”

Show that you understand pets can feel like family members. For a lot of people, pets are just like another loved member of the family unit. But not everyone treats the loss of a pet seriously. In your card, let this person know that you understand the significance of this loss—and that they lost a family member.
- “Minx will always be a part of your family, no matter what. I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to her.”
- “Losing a family member is the most painful thing in the world. I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.”

11

“There are no words. Just know I’m here for you.”

No one can “fix” grief by finding the perfect words. No matter what you say, you won’t be able to banish their pain—so don’t try to. Instead, admit that you don’t know what to say but regardless, you love them and want to support them however you can.^{[6]
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- “I know nothing I say can fix this. Just know that I care.”
- “I couldn’t possibly put my heartbreak into words. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

12

“My heart aches for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Let this person know that if they need you, they can call. At the bottom of your card, consider including your contact info as well. This way, they’ll know that when they need a friend, you’re happy to help. This can be a huge source of relief to someone facing grief.^{[7]
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- “I wrote my phone number on the back of this card. Please, call me whenever.”
- “I know this must be extremely difficult. If you ever need someone to talk to, give me a call.”

13

“Some angels choose fur instead of wings.”

Capture the power of a pet’s love with a famous quote. If you struggle to find the right words yourself, use another saying for inspiration. By choosing a quote that highlights the incredible power of pets, you’ll help this person feel understood and supported.
- “Time spent with cats is never wasted.” -Sigmund Freud
- “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.” -Josh Billings

14

“If not for pets, how would we know unconditional love?”

Help them find a positive perspective with a powerful, famous phrase. With a powerful phrase, remind them that even though they lost their pet, they gained so much love, strength, and joy from the time they did spend together.
- “Pets have more love and compassion in them than most humans.” -Robert Wagner
- “It’s difficult to understand why people don’t realize that pets are gifts to mankind.” -Linda Blair

15

“I’ve included some of my favorite photos of Ty!”

Revisiting memories will help this person feel close to the pet they lost. In your card, include photos or even drawings of their beloved pet. Then, write little descriptions to help them remember what’s happening in the image. This is sure to warm their heart.^{[8]
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- "These are photos of Sari that always make me smile. I thought you'd enjoy them."
- "My daughter drew a photo of Chip inside your card. She loves him so much and wanted you to have this!"

Expert Q&A

Question

Why does losing a pet hurt so much?

Adam Dorsay, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist & TEDx Speaker
Dr. Adam Dorsay is a licensed psychologist in private practice in San Jose, CA, and the co-creator of Project Reciprocity, an international program at Facebook's Headquarters, and a consultant with Digital Ocean’s Safety Team. He specializes in assisting high-achieving adults with relationship issues, stress reduction, anxiety, and attaining more happiness in their lives. In 2016 he gave a well-watched TEDx talk about men and emotions. Dr. Dorsay has a M.A. in Counseling from Santa Clara University and received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2008.

Adam Dorsay, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist & TEDx Speaker

Expert Answer

Pets are like members of your family, and they provide you with a lot of love and comfort. A pet can help you get through difficult times in your life, which helps you bond with them more deeply. Additionally, pets can help you relax after a stressful day, such as when a cat purrs in your lap. It's normal to grieve a pet's loss deeply, and they can actually teach you a lot about the grieving process.