Nearly half of UK pet owners suffer in silence following the loss of a pet

Nearly half of UK pet owners have felt they have had to suffer in silence after losing a pet, with just 52% saying they would feel comfortable reaching out for support, a survey by national pet charity Blue Cross has found.

The survey of 2,000 owners found just 50% were open to discussing the loss of a pet with family or friends, while less than 40% felt they could open up to their employer. Most (81%) felt they couldn't request time off work to grieve; with 67% believing it is important for employers to offer support following the loss of a pet.