The Role of Pets in Well-being and the Therapeutic Potential of Logotherapy in Pet Loss Grief: A Literature Review

Abstract ―​

Pet ownership has been shown to offer significant physical and psychological benefits, including improved mood, reduced stress, and enhanced social interactions. However, the loss of a pet often results in intense grief comparable to human bereavement, which remains underrecognized and undertreated. While various coping strategies exist, formal pet grief therapy is scarce. Logotherapy, a meaning-centered therapeutic approach developed by Viktor Frankl, has demonstrated effectiveness in helping individuals find meaning in suffering and has been successfully applied to diverse populations facing grief, depression, and existential challenges. Despite its potential, logotherapy has not yet been specifically explored as an intervention for pet loss grief. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of group logotherapy in supporting pet owners through bereavement by facilitating meaning-making and promoting psychological well-being. Findings could provide a valuable framework for developing targeted grief therapies for this underserved population.