A woman in Italy recently made headlines after requesting paid sick leave from her employer—not for herself, but to care for her dog. She explained that her dog was a member of her family, and ultimately, her request was approved.
The woman works at Sapienza University in Rome and lives alone with her dogs. One of them required surgery, and she needed time away from work to take her pet to the veterinarian and provide post-operative care. When “Anna” first approached her employer, the time off was recorded as vacation leave. Unsatisfied with that decision, she reached out to an animal advocacy organization to help support her case.
With assistance from Lega Anti Vivisezione, “Anna” reopened discussions with the university. The advocacy group argued that denying time off to care for a pet could potentially expose owners to legal consequences under Italian law, where failure to provide proper care for an animal may be considered mistreatment. Following this intervention, the university granted Anna two days of paid sick leave so she could care for her twelve-year-old English Setter during recovery.
This situation is notable because it establishes a precedent for how similar requests might be handled in the future. Employees who can provide appropriate documentation—such as a statement from a veterinarian explaining the medical need—now have a framework to reference. That said, the decision to approve paid leave still rests with the employer, and paid time off is not guaranteed in every case.
Around the world, more companies are beginning to acknowledge that pets play a significant role in their employees’ lives. Much like children, dogs and other animals are increasingly viewed as part of the family. One well-known example is the Scottish brewery BrewDog, which introduced a policy allowing employees one week of paid leave when they adopt a new puppy. The goal is to give employees time to bond, handle training, and help their new pet adjust to its home.
Several companies have embraced what’s now commonly called “pawternity leave,” including:
Mars Petcare — One of the earliest adopters of pawternity leave, Mars provides employees with 10 hours of paid time off when welcoming a new pet. Employees are also permitted to bring their pets to work afterward.
BitSol Solutions — This company offers a full week of paid leave for employees who adopt a new pet. According to founder Greg Buchanan, pets are viewed much like children within the company culture.
BrewDog — BrewDog grants a full week of paid leave to employees who bring home a new pet, reinforcing the company’s dog-friendly reputation and commitment to employee well-being.
Beyond welcoming new pets, some companies have also recognized the emotional impact of losing one. Pet bereavement leave is becoming more common as employers acknowledge the grief that follows the loss of a beloved animal.
Companies offering pet bereavement leave include:
Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants — Provides employees with up to three days of leave following the loss of a pet.
Mars, Inc. — Offers one day of bereavement leave along with flexible scheduling to support grieving employees.
VMware and Maxwell Health — Both organizations allow flexible time off for employees coping with the loss of a pet.
Trupanion — This Seattle-based pet insurance company offers employees one day of bereavement leave after the loss of a pet.
So where do people stand on pawternity leave and pet bereavement leave in the workplace? A survey conducted by The Today Show revealed mixed opinions. About 58% of respondents supported some form of leave to care for animals, while 48% felt time off for pets wasn’t necessary. Those results raise an interesting question—do those opposed to pet-related leave truly understand the bond between people and their animals, or have they simply never experienced it themselves?
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