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Study Reveals Pet Grief Matches Human Grief Intensity

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Professor Philip Hyland of Maynooth University led a study published in PLOS One showing that grief after a pet's death can match human grief in intensity and duration.
The study found that 7.5% of pet owners met criteria for prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a rate similar to that seen after human losses.
PGD is currently diagnosed only for human deaths.
He calls for reevaluating guidelines to recognize the legitimacy of pet grief.

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Story summary

Professor Philip Hyland of Maynooth University led a study published in PLOS One showing that grief after a pet's death can match human grief in intensity and duration.
The study found that 7.5% of pet owners met criteria for prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a rate similar to that seen after human losses.
PGD is currently diagnosed only for human deaths.
He calls for reevaluating guidelines to recognize the legitimacy of pet grief.