Breaking the Silence: Insights into Companion Animal Loss and the Death Taboo

Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna examined an often-overlooked topic: the death of pets in contemporary society. Specifically, a recent study led by Svenja Springer and co-author Christian Dürnberger focuses on the social dimensions of pet death, viewed through the lens of so-called thanatosociology.

Foto: Svenja Springer

An interview study explored the impact of pet death on the handling of dying and death, set against the backdrop of deep emotional human-animal relationships. Central findings have now been published under the title “Beyond the taboo: A thanatosociological investigation of companion animal loss based on an interview study with small animal veterinarians” in the journal “Frontiers in Veterinary Science”.

The study comprised qualitative interviews with veterinarians specializing in hospice and palliative care. The aim was to find out how these professionals perceive societal discussions about dying and death and what significance they attribute to the loss of pets. “Our results show a widespread taboo surrounding death, with veterinarians reporting a physical and emotional distancing from dying individuals”, explained Springer. “However, the experience of losing a beloved pet at home can challenge this societal repression and promote a more reflective approach to death for both adults and children”, the authors noted. The study clearly illustrates that veterinarians recognize significant changes in perception and attitude toward dying and death when people actively witness and reflect on the dying process of a pet. Respondents described the loss of a pet as a "training ground" for dealing with death, emphasizing how these experiences can help dismantle societal taboos and foster a more open engagement with mortality. According to Dürnberger, "Veterinarians have unique insights into the dynamics of family interactions with death, which can significantly contribute to societal understanding of mortality. “

Pets as a bridge to confronting one's own mortality

The study argues that the loss of pets can catalyze primary experiences with dying, bringing existential themes into new visibility. As the study highlights, integrating discussions about death into veterinary education is helpful in preparing veterinarians to conduct meaningful conversations about mortality and support grieving pet owners. This research not only enriches our understanding of the human-animal relationship but also opens new perspectives in dealing with death and grief in contemporary society.

The article "Beyond the taboo: a thanatosociological investigation of companion animal loss based on an interview study with small animal veterinarians" by Svenja Springer and Christian Dürnberger was published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

Scientific article

Scientific contact:
Ass.-Prof. Dr. med. vet. Svenja Springer, PhD
Messerli Forschungsinstitut
Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien (Vetmeduni)
Svenja.Springer@vetmeduni.ac.at

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