Previous research &as shown that human grief reactions to the l o s of a pet are not only very common, but they can also have a serious impact on the owner's physical and emotional well-king (Katcher & Rosenberg, 1979). The adjustment pmeess can be difficult for owners, especially when the owner is faced with the decision of whether or not to have their pet euthanizeà (Cusack, 1988).The purpose of this study was to investigate the variables of the human grief response associated with pet loss in order to incrrax our understanding of the intensity and duration of the grief process. Resuits of the present study suggest muons why some owners may be "at risk" for excessive grief reactions due to the loss of their cornpanion animal. The importance of providing bereaved owners with a source of mentai health couaselhg is discussed, and directions for fbture research are suggested. Acknowledgmtnts