Helpful Books for Children About Pet Loss

Our bond with pets is celebrated in this book without the very common ending of adding a new pet. It also shows many types of pets, even thought the main character owns a dog.

This book uses Mr. Rogers' signature caring, but matter-of-fact, manner. As he said, “Anything that's human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary.”

How death connects all of us is the theme of this book. While it is based on a Buddhist tale, it could be used with many belief systems. The pet featured is a cat.

Using a fact-based approach, this book discusses pet death, including euthanasia.

This is the right book if you are looking for traditional imagery of dog heaven.

Lulu shows common concerns as dogs age.

This book follows a boy and his dog around the time that the dog passes away. It discusses the feelings that accompany pet death.