I’m so worried…Is my baby girl okay?
April 16, 2026
Is my Crickett doing okay?
April 27, 2026Should I remove my departed pet’s belongings?
I received this question from Danielle:
“How long should I wait to remove my departed pet’s belongings? It feels like a betrayal to move her toys and beds, and to donate the food.
I know they no longer need these items, but it’s a nice and also bittersweet reminder of them.”
MY ANSWER:
There is no set time frame for moving or donating those items.
This is such a personal choice, depending on your beliefs and what makes you feel good. The animals tell me they visit their favorite spots, whether or not their bed or blanket is still there. They can play with a virtual toy in their afterlife. It doesn’t seem to matter as much to them as it does to us.
If it makes you feel better to donate items, then do so. If you feel keeping them in place feels right, then by all means, keep them. Follow your heart. If you donate items too soon, you may regret it later when you wish you had kept them as a special memento, or you adopt a new pet who may enjoy those items.
Since our companions benefit most when we are happy, emotionally balanced, and grateful, follow the path that leads you there.
If you have a GENERAL QUESTION, post it in the comments below or email to karen@karenanderson.net with GENERAL QUESTION in Subject Line
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Karen is an award-winning animal communicator and best-selling author who specializes in pet loss and the afterlife. She has documented her journey with her heartwarming and inspirational books, The Pet I Can’t Forget, The Amazing Afterlife of Animals and Hear All Creatures.
She also offers a free app and animal communication coaching programs for all skill levels as well as loving support and guidance for those struggling with the loss of a beloved companion.
Karen is the CEO and founder of Painted Rain Ranch Animal Sanctuary a non-profit charity that serves as a final refuge for elderly, special needs, and abandoned companion animals. Karen saves the pets no one else wants on her 30-acre farm in the Inland Pacific Northwest. Proceeds from Karen’s books and coaching benefit the animals at the sanctuary.
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8 Comments
This really hit home for me. I lost my beloved horse Madison just two weeks ago and I have been wondering this same thing. Part of me wants to keep her tack and her belongings, the other part breaks down and loses it when I see them. I decided to keep them for now as you suggested. If I decide to donate them later, I may or, maybe they will be for my next horse. I just want to honor her life. I realize now, it is what makes me happiest. Thank you for sharing this.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to decide what to do when grief has overtaken your thoughts. Giving it time and holding onto their memories is a good idea. Then, you can decide later.
Thank you so much for this. Your right it depends on each person. My mom donated her cat’s bed and toys to a shelter because it upset her to see them. I kept my cat’s bowls and blankets after he died and now my new kitty, Jingle, uses them. It makes me feel good to know they are being loved by Jingle.
Yes, it is a personal decision. Knowing a cat at the shelter is benefitting from your donation is a beautiful thing. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Karen, I wish I had kept my dog’s beds and toys. It devastated me everytime I saw them so I got rid of them. I’m totally ashamed of myself, I should never done that. Do you think he forgives me?
There is no need to ask forgiveness. Our departed pets do not hold us responsible. We hold us responsible. Trust it was the right decision at the time and forgive yourself. It is okay and your angel will love you no matter what you decided
Many local shelters need supplies so you can always donate their toys. If the beds are new and clean they can take those too. Towels and blankets are always needed.
Website of shelters or social media pages list items shelters accept. Not all accept certain items so check before you donate.