Sympathy Messages for a Coworker Who Lost a Pet (20 Kind Ideas)

For many people a pet is family, and losing one is a real grief, often a lonely one, because the world around them treats it as minor. A kind word from a colleague who takes it seriously can mean a great deal. Keep it short, use the pet’s name if you know it, and never suggest it’s a small thing.

Simple and kind

1. I’m so sorry about [name]. I know how much you loved them.
2. So sorry to hear about [name]. Thinking of you.
3. I’m so sorry. Losing a pet is losing a member of the family.
4. Thinking of you. [Name] had a wonderful life with you.
5. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you a big hug.

When you knew the pet

6. I’ll miss [name] on our video calls. I’m so sorry.
7. [Name] was the best office visitor we ever had. Thinking of you.
8. I loved hearing your stories about [name]. I’m so sorry.
9. The photos of [name] always made my day. I’m so sorry you’ve lost them.

For a dog

10. I’m so sorry about [name]. They were such a good dog, and so lucky to have you.
11. Thinking of you. Walks won’t be the same, I know.

For a cat

12. I’m so sorry about [name]. They clearly ruled your house, and your heart.
13. Thinking of you. The house must feel so quiet.

Short lines

14. So sorry about [name].
15. Thinking of you.
16. Sending love.
17. What a good friend they were.

Taking a little pressure off

18. I’m so sorry. If you need a quiet day, I’ve got your meetings covered.
19. Thinking of you. Take it easy this week; nothing here is urgent.
20. So sorry about [name]. Let me know if you’d like me to pick anything up for you this week.

What to avoid

• “It was just a pet.” Or anything that measures the loss for them.
• “You can get another one.” Maybe one day, and that’s for them to say.
• Questions about how it happened.
• Jokes, unless they make one first.

For human loss, see 40 sympathy messages for a coworker.

Frequently asked questions

What do you say to a coworker whose dog died? “I’m so sorry about [name]. I know how much you loved them.”

Is it appropriate to send a sympathy card for a pet at work? Yes, from a close colleague or a small team who knew the pet.

What should you not say when someone’s pet dies? “It was just a pet”, “you can get another one”, or anything that shrinks the loss.

A card from the people who knew them

For a small team, a free group sympathy card lets everyone add a line about [name] from their own device, with no account, delivered quietly on the day you choose.