Life with pets brings joy, comfort, and a sense of connection to our daily lives. They give us emotional support, spark conversations in the family, and heal our tired hearts when we return home.
But many people I meet tell me they can no longer bring another pet into their lives—whether because of repeated pet loss, family circumstances, or health reasons. They come to me asking how to cope with this emptiness.
In this article, I’d like to share why some people decide not to adopt another pet, and how they find ways to heal and fill the emptiness in their hearts. My hope is that you, too, will find comfort if you are struggling with the sadness of not being able to have another pet.
Why People Give Up on Having Another Pet
At our shop, we create knitted memorial cushions and blankets from customers’ pet photos. During the order process, people often share their stories with me—memories of their pets, the pain of losing them, and why they feel they can’t welcome a new pet anymore.
The most common reason is that the pain of saying goodbye was simply too much.
“I don’t want to go through that sadness again.”
“There is no replacement for my beloved pet.”
For these people, the love and memories are something they want to cherish privately in their hearts, without trying to fill the void with another animal.
Personal and Family Circumstances
Some customers may have the desire to have another pet, but are unable to do so due to family circumstances.
Aging and Living Alone
Many older people tell me: “If something happens to me, who will care for my pet?”
Without family nearby, the risk feels too great.
My own mother-in-law lives alone with her pet, but because we live nearby, we can help with vet visits and daily care. Still, it’s clear that her pet ownership depends on family support.
Family Allergies
In my own case, I keep cats—but my wife was later diagnosed with a cat allergy. At first, she thought it was manageable, but over time sneezing and itching made it difficult to live with cats closely. Our current cat is already 11 years old, and after he passes, we likely won’t be able to keep another.
How People Cope Without Pets
Many customers tell me:
That’s why they order our handmade knitted cushions—warm, soft memorial items they can hug and keep close, bringing back the comforting feeling of their pet’s presence.
More details about the cushion here
Finding Joy Without a Pet
Here are some ideas—shared by myself and our customers—for living fully even without a pet:
Visit Memory Spots
After our dog Muku passed away, we often visited the riverside where he loved to play in the water. Even now, more than 10 years later, we go there, remembering the joy we shared.
Travel More
When Muku was alive, we never imagined leaving him behind to travel. After his passing, we slowly began traveling—sometimes abroad, sometimes by car to visit friends. It became a new way of life, one that brought fresh joy alongside the grief.
Create a Memory Room
Some people keep a dedicated space or even an entire room filled with their pet’s belongings, photos, and memorial items. There, they can cry, rest, or reflect whenever they need to. In our home, I display photos and the cushions I knitted of our pets.
Healing the Sadness of Not Having a Pet
If you are searching for ways to ease the sadness of not being able to have another pet, you are likely already on the path of healing from pet loss grief. Still, emptiness may remain.
Some people visit cat cafés or volunteer at animal shelters. Others find comfort in displaying photos, wearing keepsakes, or hugging a memorial cushion. These small rituals recreate the same sense of closeness and comfort we once had when our pets were physically with us.
In the end, remembering the happy life you shared with your pet—and surrounding yourself with tangible reminders—can bring peace, comfort, and healing.
