Have you ever found yourself at work suddenly remembering your beloved pet who passed away—and breaking down in tears?
Losing a pet is heartbreaking, and it’s completely natural that you may struggle to focus on your job after such a loss. At the same time, work responsibilities don’t disappear, and it can be hard to balance grief with professional expectations.
In this article, I’ll share some practical ways to cope when grief from pet loss makes it difficult to concentrate at work.
Coping Strategies When You Can’t Focus After Pet Loss
1. Take Short Breaks
When we lost our dog—or when one of our team members experienced pet loss—we encouraged frequent short breaks. Our work involves creating pet memorial gifts from customers’ photos, so we often see touching images of pets.
Sometimes this feels healing, but other times it’s overwhelming.
Taking even a 5–10 minute pause to step away, breathe, or have a cup of tea can make it easier to return to work with more focus. Resting briefly can actually improve productivity.
2. Talk to Someone You Trust
Some larger companies have counselors available, and speaking with a professional can help. If not, consider confiding in a colleague who understands—especially someone who also has pets or has gone through pet loss themselves.
Having even one person in your workplace who understands your feelings can make you feel supported and less alone in your grief.
3. Switch Tasks When Possible
If you can’t focus on mentally demanding tasks, try switching to something more physical or routine.
For example, I find that during moments of grief, tasks like answering emails or updating websites feel impossible. However, simple physical work such as ironing or machine maintenance can be more manageable when emotions are heavy.
Think about which tasks at your job require less mental energy—you may find those easier on difficult days.
4. Take a Day Off If Needed
Sometimes the best option is to give yourself permission to rest. Forcing yourself to suppress grief can make it worse and prolong recovery.
Taking a day off allows you to fully experience your emotions, cry if you need to, and begin to heal. Often, this helps you return to work more balanced and focused.
(Related: Is it okay to take time off work after your pet dies?)
5. Keep a Memorial Item With You
Carrying or wearing a pet memorial keepsake can bring comfort at work. For example, we create scarves and blankets that look stylish and professional on the outside, but feature a custom design of a beloved pet on the reverse side.
In other shop there’re memorial jewelry, photo charms, or keepsakes made from a pet’s collar or ashes. Holding or looking at these items when grief rises can provide emotional support.
Personally, I wear my cat Maro’s collar on my wrist—the small bell sound reminds me of him and makes me feel like he’s still with me, even at work.
Grief Is Proof of Love
When you start to feel a little stronger, try reframing your pain. The reason you’re grieving so deeply is because you loved your pet so deeply.
Your sadness is not a weakness—it’s a sign of the bond and unconditional love you shared. Even though your pet is gone, that love stays alive in your heart.
Related article: Loneliness is proof of love – Experiences of overcoming pet loss
Be Mindful of Colleagues
It’s also important to be considerate of those around you. If you need to step away for a while or if you suddenly start crying, colleagues may be surprised. Some may understand, but others may not.
Unfortunately, some people may think, “It’s just a pet, why are you so upset?” or “Don’t bring personal matters to work.” Such comments can deepen your hurt, so try to find supportive allies and protect your emotions where possible.
Related article: Is it weird to take time off work when your pet dies?
Customer Voices
Final Thoughts
If you’re grieving a pet and finding it hard to cope at work, remember: you’re not alone. Many people experience pet loss grief in the workplace, and it’s okay to take steps to care for yourself. Whether it’s taking a short break, leaning on a trusted colleague, keeping a memorial gift nearby, or simply giving yourself time off, these strategies can help you heal while continuing your professional life.
