Pet Loss Poems

Read our selection of pet loss poems for coping with the grief of losing a pet.

Whether you have suffered pet loss or are looking for ways to support a friend after the loss of a pet, you may find the below poems helpful with the grieving process.

Sometimes, reading or writing a poem helps to express your emotions and remember the joyous memories you had with your beloved pet. We hope the pet loss poems we have chosen for you offer you comfort in your time of sadness.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

Author Unknown

Rainbow Bridge – Sequel to the Original

Oh, when we get to Heaven
We hope that we will find
The souls that once we loved
Who left us all behind.

Some left us at the right time
They left this world in peace
Others left too sudden
Without the chance to say goodbye,
They were gone before we had
The chance to even cry.

There’s a special place for grownups
A special place for kids
Me? I’ll be on the other side
The side called Rainbow Bridge.

Across the dark green meadow
A’top the hills I’ll run
Where the colors from the rainbow
Glitter from the sun.

And there I’ll find my sweetheart
Running fast toward me
In my arms where he belongs
for all eternity.

Author: Jean McColgan

Special Friend

I came home from work after a long hard day
but the house felt so empty, I couldn’t stay
So I grabbed my coat and hopped in the car
then drove to the park, it wasn’t too far

I walked down the path and spotted a bench
then it started to rain, guess who got drenched!
I dried the bench then sat down to rest
I looked up in the tree and saw a bird’s nest

I watched two dogs take a break for a drink
as my mind started wandering, I started to think
I thought about times from back in the past
when the fun we had would last and last

The kids would see us as we walked in the park
and they’d come a runnin’ as you let out a bark
With your friendly bark and wagging tail
off you’d all go and play on the trails

You were so kind and gentle, never a pest
in everyone’s book you were simply the best
Always there for one in need
as you did your best to do a good deed

I got up from the bench and walked to my car
then drove back home, it wasn’t very far
I walked in the house and pulled up a chair
then opened a window to get some fresh air

I went to the kitchen to get a drink
then sat in the chair and began to think
My life has been blessed since the day we met
to me you are one very special pet

The Lord decided to put us together
I’ll always be thankful for ever and ever
You are my star, my guiding light
my eyes and ears in the black of night

I look to the day we’ll be together again
just me and my very special friend

Author: John Quealy

Read more poetry about dog death and cat loss poems on our associated pages.

Treasured Friend

I lost a treasured friend today
The little dog who used to lay
Her gentle head upon my knee
And shared her silent thoughts with me.

She’ll come no longer to my call
Retrieve no more her favorite ball
A voice far greater than my own
Has called her to his golden throne.

Although my eyes are filled with tears
I thank him for the happy years
He let her spend down here with me
And for her love and loyalty.

Author Unknown

To My Best Friend

The day they laid you down to sleep
I prayed to the Lord, your soul he’ll keep
Until the appointed day and time
when together we’ll meet, and all will be fine

With all God’s creatures great and small
go run and play now, have a ball
No more aches and no more pain
just bright sunshine, no more rain

Rest in peace for now best friend
cradled in God’s arms, to the end
Dream of that special day and time
when we’ll meet at the Bridge; one last time

Although we’ll be separated for a long time
we’ll be together then, and all will be fine
We’ll cross Rainbow Bridge side by side
with a soft warm feeling deep down inside

Once again then all will be fine
we’re together forever till the end of time

Author: John Quealy

I’m Still Here

Friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I’ll never wander out of your sight-
I’m the brightest star on a summer’s night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach-
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.

I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you’ll see that the face in the moon shine is mine.

When you start thinking there’s no one to love you,
you can talk to through the Lord up above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.
Just look for me friend, I’m every place!

Author Unknown