Poorer bereavement outcomes among companion animal owners are associated with unexpected death or describing the pet as a partner or soulmate

Objective: To examine whether circumstances surrounding companion animal death and the owner-companion animal relationship were associated with bereavement outcomes. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data from 4,902 bereaved companion animal owners were analyzed. Multivariable regression models examined associations of cause of death, euthanasia, presence at death, and owner-reported relationship with the companion animal with grief severity, severe depression, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction, and somatic symptoms, adjusting for pet attachment and demographic and loss-related characteristics. Model sample sizes ranged from 4,099 to 4,758. Results: Unexpected death, compared with natural or anticipated death, was associated with greater grief (unstandardized regression coefficient [B] = 2.49; 95% CI, 1.81 to 3.18), severe depression (B = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.73), anxiety/insomnia (B = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.32 to 1.35), social dysfunction (B = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.37), and somatic symptoms (B = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.94). Describing the companion animal as a partner or soulmate versus a best friend was also associated with poorer outcomes across all 5 domains (B = 0.60 to 1.26). Euthanasia was associated with lower grief (B = -0.95; 95% CI, -1.46 to -0.44) and depression (B = -0.76; 95% CI, -1.19 to -0.32). Presence at death was not associated with any outcome. Conclusions: Unexpected death and a partner/soulmate relationship were consistently associated with poorer bereavement outcomes. Clinical Relevance: Veterinary practices should strive to ensure that owners experiencing an unexpected loss receive the same opportunities for follow-up and bereavement support as those whose companion animals undergo euthanasia.