Your First Christmas Without Your Dog or Cat

Updated November 2026.

The first Christmas without your dog or cat is often harder than people expect, because the day is full of small routines they were part of. It helps to plan one or two ways to include them on purpose, keep their usual spots from becoming painful surprises, and let yourself be sad without spoiling the day for everyone.

Why the first Christmas without a pet hurts so much

Pets are woven into Christmas in ways we don't notice until they're gone: the dog who had to inspect every parcel, the cat asleep under the tree, the extra slice of turkey, the Boxing Day walk. Grief tends to land on these routines rather than on the big moments. Knowing that in advance makes it less of an ambush, and it is completely normal to feel the loss sharply even months later.

Ways to remember your dog or cat at Christmas

• Give them a place on the tree. An ornament that comes out every year turns remembering into part of decorating rather than a moment of dread. Our personalised pet bauble is a sculpted portrait made from your photos, about 15 cm tall.
• Light a candle beside their photo on Christmas Eve, or at the time you would have fed them.
• Take their walk anyway. Many people find the Boxing Day walk on the old route is where they feel closest to their dog.
• Fill their stocking for another animal. A donation of food or a toy to a local rescue in their name gives the habit somewhere to go.
• Tell one story each at the table: their worst crime, their best trick. Laughing about them is remembering them too.
• Keep something of theirs nearby: the collar on a hook by the tree, or their tag tied to a ribbon.
• Write them a card. It sounds small, and it helps a lot of people say what they didn't get to.

Should I put up a memorial for my pet at Christmas?

Helping children through the first Christmas without a pet

• Use the pet's name and talk about them normally; children take their cue from adults.
• Let them choose how to include the pet: hanging the ornament, drawing a picture for the tree, or setting out a photo.
• Expect questions to come back at odd moments, such as opening presents or seeing other dogs on a walk. Short, honest answers are best.

When another pet is still at home

A surviving dog or cat may be unsettled too, especially with visitors and noise. Keep their meals, walks and quiet spots as normal as you can. If they seem withdrawn or stop eating for more than a day or so, speak to your vet.

If grief feels too heavy

Losing a pet is a real bereavement. If the sadness is overwhelming, the Blue Cross runs a free Pet Bereavement Support Service in the UK, with trained volunteers you can talk to.

Supporting someone else this Christmas

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to be this sad at the first Christmas without my pet?

Yes. Christmas is full of routines pets were part of, so grief often returns sharply even months after the loss.

How can I remember my dog at Christmas?

Hang an ornament for them on the tree, take their usual walk, light a candle by their photo, or give to a rescue in their name.

How can I remember my cat at Christmas?

Give them a place near the tree where they liked to sleep: a photo, a portrait bauble or a small stone with their name.

Should I still put up the Christmas tree after losing my pet?

If you can, many people find it helps to keep traditions and add one small way to include their pet, such as an ornament.

Where can I get support for pet bereavement in the UK?

The Blue Cross runs a free Pet Bereavement Support Service with trained volunteers.

What can I give a friend at their first Christmas without their pet?

A card using the pet's name, and if you'd like, a gift that names or shows the pet, such as a marker or a pet bust gift voucher.

For a portrait keepsake, explore the cast stone pet bust or the pet memorial stone portrait.