Companion animal bereavement

The EASE team has just been awarded a grant from the Society for Companion Animal Studies for a project exploring how best to support children following the death of a companion animal. More information about the project will be posted soon!

The primary purpose of this research is to explore the experiences of individuals regarding childhood loss of a companion or support animal and to consider if there are measures which might benefit children in similar situations in the future.

Many of the questions in the group's survey were open ended to enable participants to share stories and experiences in as much detail as they chose. Answers to the survey will be used to inform the project findings and may be used anonymously in project outputs. All information provided was treated anonymously. At no stage are participants identifiable and the data will not be shared with other parties. Participation in this study was entirely voluntary. There was no obligation to take part and participants could stop at any time. If participants stopped before completing the survey the information was not saved. All data will be stored securely in adherence with GDPR guidelines and permanently deleted following completion of the research.

This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Exeter’s SSIS Ethics Committee. For further information, please click this link.

If you wish to discuss the research and/or your involvement in more detail, please contact the research project lead: Professor Samantha Hurn.

This survey asks potentially emotive questions around pet death. If you would like to seek free and confidential support, please contact the Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service.