CVS Group launches pet bereavement booklet for children
The ‘Goodbye My Friend’ booklet helps children process the loss of a beloved pet
CVS Group’s Pet Crematoria Family have launched a Goodbye My Friend booklet to help young children and their parents process the loss and sad journey of losing of a beloved companion animal.
For many children, losing a pet is their first experience of the passing of a loved one. Research shows that tasks like colouring or drawing can help children open up about their feelings, discuss the reality of loss, and remember the good memories they shared with their pet. The 12-page memory book incorporates bereavement expertise of CVS Group’s crematoria team, and was curated in collaboration with clinical professionals, a children’s book author, and a graphic designer.
The booklet includes signposting to reputable grief support resources and is endorsed by National pet charity Blue Cross’s Pet Loss Support service. 100% of profits support Blue Cross Pet Loss Support, with £1000 raised as of December 2024. Diane James, Head of People Services at Blue Cross Pet Loss Support, says:
“The activities in Goodbye My Friend encourage positive reflection to process grief with the support of a trusted adult.”
Representatives of the Blue Cross Pet Loss Support service provide their support to The Pet Crematoria Family.
Supporting pet owners through end-of-life decisions can be challenging for veterinary professionals, who often face high levels of stress and compassion fatigue. The booklet can be used to guide these conversations, helping to ensure a high level of care when making final arrangements for a cherished pet. This not only supports pet owners, but also protects the mental wellbeing of clinical teams by reducing the stress associated with end-of-life discussions.
In response to a feedback survey, clinical teams highlighted enthusiasm for the booklet and the impact it is having. This feedback also ensures continuous improvement, with the booklet now featuring an improved layout, greater inclusivity, and a set of colourful pencils with each copy for children to use right away.
Since its launch with CVS practices in April 2023, over 5,700 booklets have been ordered by over 300 practices. For convenience, it is available in both print and digital formats. Practice teams can order print copies using Quick Consign, their usual consumables ordering portal.
Steve Twomey, Director of Crematoria at CVS Group, said
“The Goodbye My Friend booklet is designed to help young children who might otherwise struggle to process feelings of grief and loss. Through activities like colouring and drawing with a parent or loved one, children are gently encouraged to talk about their feelings and remember the happy times they shared with their pet, helping them understand their thoughts and feelings throughout this journey.
I’m pleased that the booklets are now in use in over 300 practices, helping pet owners when it’s time to say goodbye to their beloved pets. I am also delighted that this much needed resource is now available across all CVS practices and referring veterinary practices, to support as many children as possible, and their parents and loved ones, at a time when they need it most.”
The Pet Crematoria Family is part of CVS Group. CVS Group operates across small animal, farm animal, equine, laboratories and crematoria, with 500 veterinary practices and referral centres in the UK and Australia. In the last five years the company has invested nearly £80 million in its sites, facilities and equipment, in addition to industry leading training and support, to give the best possible care to animals.
Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. Every month, Blue Cross helps thousands of pets and their people by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour advice and find homeless pets loving families. They offer education for future generations, plus support for those who have lost their beloved pet companion.