People need more support to deal with "heartbreaking" pet bereavement, as the RSPCA and Welsh TV presenter Matt Johnson join forces to help those suffering from the pain of losing a pet.<br />It comes as a new survey from the charity reveals fewer than one in 14 (6.9%) respondents believe pet grief is taken seriously enough by society.<br />A majority of respondents (57.8%) feel a stigma exists around pet grief, while most of those affected admit to hiding their grief (57.1%), or being unable to find support (56.7%).<br />But the RSPCA hopes its new campaign - Not Just a Pet - will help pet owners, as well as their family and friends navigate the trauma. The charity has launched a new online toolkit packed full of support to help owners through the grief.<br />TV presenter Matt, a keen mental health advocate and RSPCA Ambassador, lost his own dog Alan in April this year.<br />Alan was adopted by Matt in 2020. He was named after Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer - given a previous owners' love of the St. James' Park football club.<br />Matt said: "Alan was my boy, my companion, and my best friend. Losing him has been one of the hardest experiences of my entire life.<br />"For me, the grief has been as traumatic as any human loss I have experienced. And while not everyone will understand that, it is why I have had to give it the same processes and energy as a human bereavement.<br />"Pets are a huge part of our lives - Alan was a constant through good times and bad, and our bond felt unbreakable. His loss has left a massive physical void - popping to the pub or coffee shop without him isn't as fun any more."<br />The broadcaster and animal welfare campaigner, who has been an RSPCA Ambassador for 10 years, is urging people going through similar bereavement to speak up and get support - including by using the new toolkit on the RSPCA's website.<br />Matt added: "To recover, I have had to prioritise self care. I've had therapy, and been open about my struggles with my friends.<br />"There has been sadness and anger, but if there is one thing I have learned from this experience, it's that people need to take pet loss seriously.<br />"That's why I'm so supportive of the RSPCA's Not Just a Pet campaign. There's so many great resources on the RSPCA website that remind people they do not have to go through this process alone."<br />
