Pet sympathy cards: framed photo of a dog, a collar, and a lily on a table

Pets are beloved family members for many people, which is why losing a pet is such a painful experience. If you know someone who has recently lost a pet, sending a pet sympathy card can go a long way in letting them know you’re thinking of them during this difficult time. Here, we’re sharing some helpful tips on crafting a thoughtful message along with beautiful pet sympathy cards you can customize and send now.

What to Say Inside a Pet Sympathy Card

Pet sympathy cards: Peaceful Poppies Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Whether it’s a close loved one, a colleague, or a neighbor who has lost their pet, sending a greeting card, like this Peaceful Poppies Card, with your message can lift their spirits and remind them that they’re not alone. It’s also an opportunity for you to share something you love about their much-missed pet or a fond memory you all share.

It’s difficult to know what to say when a pet owner is grieving the loss of a beloved dog/cat or another furry or non-furry friend. If you’re not sure where to start when writing a condolence message to a friend, use these pet sympathy card wording ideas to help you find a way to express your support.

Short and Sweet Messages for Pet Sympathy Cards 

Your message of love and support doesn’t have to be pages long. Often, it’s knowing that you’re there that helps the most. Tell your loved one their beloved pet is in your thoughts with these short and sweet sympathy messages that work well inside a condolence or memorial card.

  • My sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear pet.
  • Sending you all my love at this difficult time.
  • I’m sorry to hear the news about [Pet’s name]. My deepest condolences.
  • Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
  • I know how much [Pet’s name] meant to you. I’m sorry for your loss.
  • My deepest sympathy on the passing of your precious cat. Thinking of you.
  • Sending you a big hug. I know how much your parrot meant to you.
  • I’m so sorry about [Pet’s name]. Sending you lots of love.
  • Losing a pet is never easy. Wishing you love and comfort.

Detailed Messages for Pet Sympathy Cards 

If you know the recipient and their pet well, now is the perfect opportunity to recount a treasured memory, reflect on the good times together, and keep the pet’s memory alive. Here are some wording examples to inspire you.

  • It was always such a joy to spend afternoons with you and Benji. I loved going to the farmers market and watching him get all the attention from the vendors! I hope you take comfort in knowing how many people he made smile over the years.
  • I’m glad we got to have so many wonderful years with Flopsy. She had such a tough start and you cared for her for so long. She’s up there running around in bunny heaven now, taking care of her friends!
  • Sending you my condolences on the loss of dear Angus. He was a wonderful dog that will be sorely missed by our family. He made dog lovers out of all of us.
  • I’ll never forget all those times Sandy made me laugh and how she never lost that puppy-like energy even into her later life. I’ll cherish those memories forever.
  • Gigi left paw prints in the sand, snow, and in our hearts. She’ll be missed by us all.
  • I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Max. He was an adorable cat. I know he was unwell for a while, and I hope it’s some comfort to know he’s now at peace.
  • It was always a joy to visit you and spend time with Poppy. I’ll always remember the way she lit up a room. I’m glad that Darcy is there to give you some comfort and plenty of snuggles.
  • We knew this day would come but it’s no less sad that Peter has crossed the rainbow bridge into the sky. Sending you lots of love at this time.
  • I know the loss of a pet like Freddie isn’t easy, but know that I’m here to help with anything you need.
  • It’s sad to wave goodbye to a furry friend like Ziggy but I know he’s lived a long and beautiful life with you. 
  • I can’t believe Hope is no longer with us. She’ll always be remembered for her energy and dislike of the sound of the doorbell! Thinking of you at this time.
  • It’s time for Buster to leave paw prints somewhere new. Sending you all my love at this challenging time.
  • The loss of a dog is never easy, but it’s heartwarming to see everyone rally around you in the wake of Tiny’s sad passing. I wish you all the best.
  • I know a new pet could never replace Evelyn, but it’s a comfort to know that the lovely Harry will be there to keep you company.
  • Benson will always be your four-legged best friend and your love extends beyond this lifetime. He’ll be there waiting for you in the next life with his tail wagging happily.
  • It’s no surprise that Lulu has forever created a special place in our hearts. She was a cat unlike any other we knew. Sending you all our love during this difficult time.

5 Thoughtful Pet Sympathy Cards to Send to a Loved One

You know you want to send a kind message, but you need a card design that matches your intentions. Greenvelope offers a beautiful collection of condolence cards that you can use to share your support.

Every sympathy card design can be personalized, so you can update thinking of you cards with a photo of the recipient’s beloved pet — or change the wording on one of our pet-related cards (like a dog birthday card) to make it suit the occasion. You can also change the layout, color palette, and fonts to create your ideal design.

Here are some of our favorite cards that you can customize for pet condolence messages.

1. Virtual Hug Card

Pet sympathy cards: Virtual Hug Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Tell a loved one that you’re there for them with this heart-shaped die-cut card. It’s available in gorgeous metallic color options with plenty of space on the reverse to share your personal message.

2. Our New Addition Card

Our New Addition Announcement

Design: Milk and Marrow

Although this is styled as a “welcome to the family” card, this minimalist pet-themed card can be turned into a thoughtful cat sympathy card with a few changes to the wording.

3. Floral Sentiments Card

Floral Sentiments Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Flowers are a wonderful way to express your sentiments and this floral-themed sympathy card features an illustration of beautiful blooms. Pair this design with a thoughtful pet sympathy card message on the reverse. If the flowers on the card inspire you, order a floral bouquet, potted plant, or keepsake terrarium to be sent to the recipient as a pet memorial gift.

4. Modern Pet Portrait Card

Modern Pet Portrait Announcement

Design: Milk and Marrow

Like the cat-themed card featured earlier, this contemporary pet portrait card can become a beautiful dog sympathy card simply by changing the words. Honor a special pet with their key details and their owner’s favorite photo.

5. Daydreams Card

Daydreams Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

This contemporary sympathy card evokes a strong message, reminding the reader to take things one day at a time. This message, paired with the landscape and rising sun, makes it a sweet option for pet sympathy cards.

Express Your Kindness with Pet Sympathy Cards

Sending a personalized greeting card or note card is a lovely way to let someone know you’re thinking of them during the loss of a pet. Use this guide to help you craft a message that matches the moment, filled with love, support, and comfort.

When it’s time to start designing your card, take a look at our collection of thinking of you cards. While these designs work for any moment of grief, it’s easy to customize them to add a photo or a pet-appropriate message to honor their beloved pet.