New data from Canadian platform Paction suggests the loss of a previous dog is a leading motivation for people searching for a new puppy.

According to Paction, 60.8 per cent of puppy shoppers cite the loss of a previous dog as their primary motivation for seeking another. The company reports some begin looking for a new companion the day after a loss, while others start within weeks.

“We’re seeing the search for the next pup beginning remarkably soon after a loss, sometimes the very next day, and commonly within weeks,” says Brooke Acton, PhD, co-founder of Paction. “The question is whether this is responsible timing for navigating a multi-faceted decision-making process.”

Grief can influence the search for another dog, including a desire to find one that resembles a lost companion, as well as decisions made before fully considering the emotional implications. The timing of a new acquisition raises questions about how prospective owners assess their readiness for another long-term commitment.

A 2023 Canadian study published in Human-Animal Interactions found that the loss of a companion animal can have a significant impact on adults. Among respondents, 47 per cent reported a decline in emotional health, while 38.1 per cent reported decreased physical activity. Nearly one-third said they were hesitant to share their grief.

“Paction’s data confirms a pattern we experience year after year,” says Colleen Rolland, a pet loss grief specialist. Rolland suggests readiness for another dog may come when memories of a previous companion bring warmth rather than acute emotional pain.

Paction has introduced a Pet Loss Readiness Tool to help people who have lost a dog reflect on whether they are ready to welcome another. The Canadian platform focuses on making the process of finding and owning a dog more transparent, accountable, and responsible, from the initial search through lifelong ownership.

The pet end-of-life care industry is valued at $1.2 billion globally, according to the information provided by Paction. The bereavement support subsector is experiencing its fastest growth, with a reported compound annual growth rate of 13.8 per cent in North America.

Together, these figures and findings highlight the relationship between pet loss and decisions about future ownership. Paction urged prospective dog owners to take the time to consider emotional readiness before beginning the search for another companion.