For many, the loss of a pet is every bit as painful as losing a family member. The bond we share with our animals becomes woven into our daily lives — a constant presence of companionship, comfort, and unconditional love. But when that presence is gone from a child’s life, the absence can leave an extraordinary sharp ache that lingers for a lifetime.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 60% of U.S. households have at least one pet — meaning millions of people each year experience the heartbreak of saying goodbye. Studies show that grief over a pet can trigger the same stages of mourning as the loss of a human loved one, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. In fact, a survey published in the Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin found that nearly 30% of pet owners experienced symptoms of depression for six months or more after their loss. For children, whose emotional understanding is still developing, the impact can be especially profound — shaping how they process life, death, and their own feelings.

Kelsea Jackson’s Mission: Helping Children Heal

This is where Kelsea Jackson’s work makes a difference. Based in Los Angeles with the team from MyDogDied.com, Kelsea is a pet grief counselor with a rare combination of academic expertise, professional experience, and heartfelt empathy. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Union College and an MBA from California Baptist University, and she has spent seven years teaching

pre-kindergarten — guiding children through some of their earliest and most powerful emotions.

Kelsea specializes in helping young children navigate the confusing and often overwhelming emotions that come with losing a beloved pet. She understands that children process loss differently than adults; they may interpret death literally, ask blunt questions, or even blame themselves. Her approach begins with listening — allowing the child to share their feelings openly — before gently guiding them toward understanding.

A Safe Space for Big Feelings

Kelsea uses clear, age-appropriate language to explain what has happened while validating that grief is both normal and deeply personal. She encourages children to share memories of their pet, reinforcing the joy and comfort that animal brought into their lives. This process not only eases immediate sadness but also helps children develop coping skills they can carry forward into future challenges.

One of Kelsea’s most rewarding moments comes when a child’s expression changes from guilt to relief — when they finally believe it wasn’t their fault and feel safe enough to speak openly. By addressing grief in these formative years, Kelsea helps children lay the foundation for emotional resilience.

Support from Anywhere

Recognizing that grief doesn’t fit neatly into a schedule, Kelsea offers services Monday through Friday, during both daytime and evening hours, connecting with families through Skype, phone, or email. This accessibility ensures that children — and the parents supporting them — can find help wherever they are, whenever they need it.

With her blend of professional training, personal warmth, and deep respect for the bond between humans and animals, Kelsea Jackson is not only helping children cope with the loss of a pet — she’s teaching them that love, even in loss, can leave a legacy of strength.