Veterinarians can learn to assess which children may need extra support during their pets' deaths. How children deal with pet loss depends on several key factors. These factors include:

• The child's age and level of cognitive and emotional maturity

• The role the pet played in the child's life

• Other events currently taking place in the child's life (parental divorce, recent move, illness, etc.)

• The role the child played (if any) in the death of the pet

• The child's personal loss history

• The child's ability to cope with crisis

• The circumstances surrounding the pet's death

• The parent(s)' confidence in assisting children with loss and grief

• And the quality and availability of other means of support

  If veterinarians and veterinary professionals determine that children are deficient, unskilled, or unsupported in several of these areas, referrals to human service professionals are appropriate. Human service professionals might include teachers, school counselors, social workers, family therapists, members of the clergy, and counselors or support group facilitators who specialize in pet loss. It is wise to talk to human service professionals before referrals are made. Even though human service professionals may be highly qualified and skilled at what they do, they may not be trained to deal with grief or with issues of pet loss.
  
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  Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital