In this blog for Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, Joy Shutt, BVNA Advocate, discusses her renewed compassion for clients following her own pet loss.

Find out more about VNAM here, and how you can get involved this year.

Since the passing of my precious dog Frank in 2025, I have renewed compassion for our clients following pet loss.

The human-companion animal bond is so powerful; every relationship between caregiver and pet is different, but often they are a huge part of the family. Our pets provide a constant in our lives with routine and responsibility, offer unconditional love, and generate so much happiness. They might embody an emotional tie to another person, maybe a lost relative, they may fill the role of a treasured companion, or a playmate to grow up alongside. The effects and weight of their loss should not be underestimated, and caregivers should be reassured that there is no right or way to feel or respond. Grief is very personal and caregivers should be made to feel safe and heard, however they need to express this.

I have come to appreciate that our lost pets are in our hearts and minds every day, and we should not be afraid of speaking about our clients’ lost pets for risk of upsetting them – they are very likely thinking about them often already, and to have someone else recognise their importance can feel comforting. Engaging in a moment with our clients to remember and reflect on their treasured lost pets can show that we care about them and understand the significance of their relationship, helping to keep their memory alive.

Joy Shutt, BVNA Advocate