Offer Sympathy For the Loss or Death of a Pet • Example Letters, Guides and Samples

Guides

A letter offering sympathy for the loss or death of a pet respectfully acknowledges the reader's misfortune while offering comfort and support. Be brief and sincere.

How to write this sympathy letter:

  1. Express your sympathy briefly.
  2. Acknowledge what a difficult time this is for the reader and offer your compassion.
  3. Express further sympathy and support.

Example Letter #1

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I was saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved cat. I know that she was a good companion for you and you will miss her greatly. If there is anything I can do to help at this time, I will be very willing to do it.

Example Letter #2

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I want you to know how saddened I was to hear that Sparky had passed away. He was your faithful companion for many years, and I know that he was more than a pet to you.

Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Example Letter #3

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As one who has had the sad experience of losing a pet dog, I know something of the loneliness you feel after Sparky's death. Our pets give us so much enjoyment and pleasant companionship. Sparky's enthusiastic greeting of running circles around me when I would arrive is one I will miss. I hope the good memories will temper the feelings of loss.

Write Your Letter Step-by-Step

1 Express your sympathy briefly.

Sample Sentences for Step 1
  • We were so sorry to learn that Sparky passed away.
  • We were distressed to hear of Sparky's passing.
  • How sad we were to hear about the death of your kind dog, Sparky.
  • The children and I felt so sorry when we saw your "lost dog" sign on the telephone pole.
  • Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of Sparky.
  • When we heard of the camper accident on the news, we were saddened to learn of Sparky's death.
  • Only someone who also has lost a dearly loved pet can fully understand the way you feel about your loss.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
  • a much-loved part of our neighborhood
  • accept our deepest sympathy
  • an important part of your family
  • are surely going to miss being greeted by
  • are sorry to hear
  • can understand the magnitude of your loss
  • how sad we were to hear
  • only someone who has lost a dearly loved pet
  • saw your "lost dog" poster
  • such a sad accident
  • the children and I felt so sorry
  • the death of your little
  • the whole neighborhood is going to miss
  • we are really going to miss
  • we were saddened to hear
  • we are all so sorry to lose
  • we heard of the accident
  • were unprepared to learn
  • were distressed to hear
  • were so sorry to learn

2 Acknowledge what a difficult time this is for the reader and offer your compassion.

Sample Sentences for Step 2
  • We know how you have relied on Sparky for companionship and security since John passed away last October. This must be a very difficult time for you.
  • The children will miss all of the playful times they enjoyed with Sparky during our visits. We hope the memories you have shared with Sparky will bring you comfort and joy during this difficult time.
  • Sparky was such a wonderful companion to you and your children. I am sure you feel his loss deeply.
  • We can't even imagine a visit to your home without having Sparky race out to greet us.
  • We understand the sense of loss you must feel. It has been four years since Popcorn passed away, and we still miss her terribly!
  • Nothing provides companionship and a sense of security like a dog when you feel otherwise alone.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
  • a difficult time for you
  • all of the playful times
  • came as such a shock to us
  • children will miss
  • chirping merrily at us
  • for companionship and security
  • happy times we have shared
  • happy memories you have shared
  • hard to imagine his not being there
  • his sweet song
  • know how heavily you have relied on
  • loss will be deeply felt
  • race out to greet us
  • sense of loss you must feel
  • since she was a kitten
  • special heaven for pets
  • such a wonderful playmate
  • such a delightful companion
  • that lovely deep purr
  • years since our pet passed away

3 Express further sympathy and support.

Sample Sentences for Step 3
  • Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
  • Please accept our deepest sympathy.
  • We have joined the search for Sparky, but without success. Please let us know how we can best help.
  • Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We will always have a special place in our hearts for Sparky.
  • It would be a privilege to keep you company during this time of adjustment. How does lunch on Friday sound? I will look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
  • a much-loved character in our neighborhood
  • an important member of your family
  • are surely going to miss her
  • how I can best be of help
  • children have prepared a flyer to take to school
  • considered advertising in the newspaper
  • have joined in the search
  • if there is anything we can do to help
  • let us know if
  • only someone who has lost a dearly loved pet
  • please accept our deepest sympathy
  • such a sad accident
  • the whole neighborhood is going to miss
  • the children and I are feeling very sad
  • thoughts are with you
  • we are really going to miss
  • we are all so sorry to lose
  • will continue searching
  • will always have a special place in our hearts for
  • would like to offer a reward for