At our shop, we create pet-themed goods—and many customers come to us while grieving the loss of a beloved animal. Today, I’d like to share one powerful way people cope with pet loss: by getting involved in pet-related volunteer work or professional opportunities
About the AuthorWhile supporting customers facing pet grief, I also knit memorial items—each stitch is an act of remembrance.
View works on Etsy
The Power of Animal-Assisted Volunteering
Did you know you can greatly soothe your heart by simply spending time with animals?
After my own dog passed away more than 10 years ago, I found solace by visiting an animal shelter. The facility rescued dogs and cats from euthanasia, provided veterinary care, and then arranged adoptions. Volunteers were there every day, helping with feeding, cleaning, and animal care. Even assisting just a little made me feel connected—and healing—from my grief.
Volunteering helped me realize how therapeutic it is to spend time with animals. Even when the pets aren’t ours, caring for them and witnessing their recovery brings deep comfort.
Though I once believed I’d never be able to love a pet again, I discovered that avoidance deepened my pain. If you have any opportunities to interact with animals, don’t hesitate—whether through volunteering or visiting shelters and “pet therapy” events.
Why Volunteer Over Paid Work
While a job working with pets would be ideal, not everyone can switch careers immediately. Volunteering is a great entry point—a way to offer “unpaid love” and experience pet care as if they were your own.
Animal shelters and rescue centers across Japan often welcome volunteers. Even if you’re unsure about committing, try visiting once—it may surprise you how much solace you can find and how healing it feels.
Pet Comfort for People Who Can’t Keep a Pet
For many grieving individuals, thoughts of adopting again feel too difficult. Or circumstances may simply prevent keeping a pet.
Volunteering offers a meaningful alternative: the chance to touch, feed, or play with animals, without the responsibility of ownership. When I began volunteering—without planning to adopt—it provided healing, and eventually led me to welcome a cat into my home.
Working in the Pet Industry
Through our shop, we create custom memorial goods using pet photos. After losing our dog Muku, we crafted numerous knitted items—like a lap blanket—and found this creative process profoundly comforting.
Seeing customer testimonials—thanking us for helping them remember their pets—filled us with gratitude. Like volunteering, working with pets offers repeated occasions to care for animals and find solace—even if they aren’t your own.
If you currently work in a pet-related field, know that your loss may one day enrich your ability to help others and fuel your passion.
Connecting with Other People’s Pets
Volunteering often allows you to meet and care for others’ pets too—with their owners’ permission. These interactions help ease social reintegration, and you may meet fellow pet-loss survivors. Sharing stories can bring mutual comfort and hope.
Suggestions for Healing from Pet Loss
Through our work, we frequently meet customers who are grappling with grief. We understand their journey deeply, as we’ve been there ourselves—and we hope our experiences offer encouragement and gentle guidance.
How to heal the loneliness of losing a pet – Article list
