The importance of pet loss and some implications for services

Morley, Christine; Fook, Jan

doi:10.1080/13576270412331329849

Cited by 100 publications

(83 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Even if an animal has not died, there may be significant feelings of loss or guilt if an animal has had to be left behind or given up due to circumstances resulting from a disaster (Potts & Gadenne, 2014). Given the widespread speciesism in society, there is a risk that those who have lost a companion animal may not have their feelings of grief validated or acknowledged by those around them (Morley & Fook, 2005), resulting in a lack of required support (Donohue, 2005). Adding to this, those with poor support networks, such as isolated older people or the homeless, are likely to be disproportionately affected by the loss of a companion animal, in comparison to those with more extensive support systems.…”

Section: Original Article Theoretical Researchmentioning

confidence: 97%

Companion animals and disasters: The role of Human Services Organisations

Darroch

Adamson

2016

ANZSWJ

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INTRODUCTION:Companion animals have often been treated as an afterthought, or ignored, by those involved in planning for and responding to disasters. This omission in planning for the needs of companion animals has been predicated upon a failure to recognise the emotional bond between many people and their companion animals. This has resulted in significant costs for humans and animals in many disasters. This article serves to raise issues regarding the responsibilities of human service organisations (HSOs) for animal-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR). METHOD:This article develops a conceptual base for the consideration of the inclusion of animals in disaster planning and response within human services organisations. By first establishing the legitimacy of the human-animal bond and the requirement for human services organisations to develop their disaster planning, an exploration of the literature explores the rationale for the inclusion of companion animals within DRR. FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS:A clearly demonstrated relationship between DRR and the presence of companion animals is evidenced within the literature. Delays in evacuation due to the lack of facilities for companion animals, the loss and grief experienced by those forced to abandon their animals, and the particular vulnerabilities of those living in isolation or in homeless situations attest to the importance of animal-inclusive planning. Those living with animals may be more inclined to commit to DRR if the needs of their animals are included in planning. A mandate for organisational and professional responsibility for the inclusion of companion animals is established. CONCLUSION:For effective DRR, human services organisations have a professional and ethical imperative to include companion animals in their disaster planning and response.

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Section: Original Article Theoretical Researchmentioning

confidence: 97%

Companion animals and disasters: The role of Human Services Organisations

Darroch

Adamson

2016

ANZSWJ

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“…Pets are also credited with improving both the mental and physical health of their owners. Several studies have confirmed the positive physical benefits pets bring to patients by reducing the risks of coronary heart and cardiovascular disease Morley [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Pets are also credited with increasing trust and decreasing occurrences of depression and anxiety Morley [6]. It has further been postulated that owners who lose pets may suffer distress and bereavement similar to losing a family member Brown et al [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Can a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder be caused by a Traumatic Injury to a Companion Pet?

Watters¹,

Ruff²

2012

J Trauma Treatment

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“…This is probably one of the greatest disadvantages of living with a pet, although there are, of course, also a great many advantages to be enjoyed [20]. These grief reactions lead to various symptoms, including depression, anxiety, worry, loneliness, emptiness, potential for self harm, disturbed sleeping patterns, loss of appetite, and weight loss [16]. These symptoms may be milder than those following a human death [4,24], but the bereavement process after a pet death seems to be different from that which occurs after a close person has passed away [1].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although cause of death, including the decision to euthanize, has been considered, the area needs further investigation [8,15,19]. To alleviate the symptoms that occur, mental health intervention, such as individual therapy, has been recommended [7,16,22,27,29].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychiatric Investigation of 18 Bereaved Pet Owners

Kimura

Kawabata

Maezawa

2011

The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science

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ABSTRACT. This survey explores the grief associated with the loss of a pet, and was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaires were handed out to 50 bereaved pet owners attending a public animal cremation service, and we received 18 responses. Participants responded within 0 to 44 (median 4) days of the death of their pet. Although most mental health problems immediately following mourning are presumed to be normal grief reactions, on the basis of several psychiatric scales, 8 of the 16 valid responses indicated depression and/or neurosis. Statistical analyses showed that the following factors were significantly associated with grief reactions: age of owner, other stressful life events, family size, age of deceased animal, rearing place, and preliminary veterinary consultation.

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The importance of pet loss and some implications for services

Cited by 100 publications

References 32 publications

Companion animals and disasters: The role of Human Services Organisations

Companion animals and disasters: The role of Human Services Organisations

Can a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder be caused by a Traumatic Injury to a Companion Pet?

Psychiatric Investigation of 18 Bereaved Pet Owners

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