Time off work when your dog passes

[Arabiannights01]

I just think that I love my dog more than most humans and when it is her time to leave, I will be a distraught- mess for a while, I don’t think work will want a sobbing mess in front of customers. There should be a system where you get some kind of compassionate leave imo.

Absolutely not.

You know when you choose to get a pet that you are likely to outlive them.

Let’s not put any more unnecessary burden on employers.

Nobody is actually stopping you taking annual or sick leave, if you need it,

This was exactly what I was going to say!
The most I could think of as being reasonable is maybe 1 day. Is that really going to make any difference.
Bereavement leave for animals is just completely unworkable.

I would be stopping them taking sick leave if they were not in fact sick. They can take annual leave.

Annual leave if you just dont feel like working or sick leave if you're actually unwell. Compassionate leave for when family members die isnt just because you're sad - its to arrange and attend the funeral. Ive loved all the pets I've had but I dont expect my employer to pay me to sit at home each time one has died. If I need time off for vets etc I book leave or make up the time.

Well what would you call this new type of leave and who would it apply to? What kinds of pets would be covered under it? If you want to request something you need to put some logical thought behind your demand.

I've loved all the cats I have had to their very bones. I have never taken time off.

Personally I think everyone should have 2-3 days to use as they wish separate to AL. For your dog dying, a horrible period, your cat needs an op, whatever, just have those days as you see fit. No questions asked. I was back at work the day my Gran died because I thought people would think it was ‘just’ an old relative so I should get on with it but I was a fucking mess. Used my lunch break to go and sob then tried to just on with it. Some sort of ‘crisis leave’ provision would have been great. I work with children too so not really a job where you can hide yourself away and be quiet until 5pm.

Ahh I am so sorry to hear this. That is so traumatic. Your manager is amazing! 🥰

I was assuming they may genuinely need sick leave for mental health reasons

Actually, if paid compassionate leave was brought in for pet loss I might get a series of emotional support mayflies

So someone with three dogs, four cats and a couple of guinea pigs could potentially have loads of time off and I, as someone with no pets, gets to pick up all the slack at work?

We have two 'mental health' days each year. It's what I would use that for. In three years, I have only taken one when my dad had a heart attack.

It’s great that your workplace has that provision- so many don’t.

Where would it stop? A pet worm, a couple of ants, would they count for paid time off work?

If you aren’t well enough to be in for whatever reason, then it’s sick leave or if you prefer (and your company allows) paid or unpaid leave.

Grief isn’t a competition or something for some people to think they are heroic because they don’t need it when someone or a pet dies. If you are sufficiently upset by a bereavement that you can’t work then you are not fit enough to in that day.

Some people just have jobs or managers without compassion.

I wouldn't expect time off, but I've been lucky enough to work for caring employers who understood and offered me a couple of days to find an even keel again. They and I knew that their kindness would be more than repaid in my loyalty and commitment.

Mental health problems caused by a pet that dies? Work shy I call it.

There really doesn't need to be a special category of leave for pets dying. As PP mentioned take annual leave or sick leave if you're incapacitated.

Surely that’s the same as someone with children who legally is entitled to emergency carer’s leave.

This is an annual leave thing. I get it, we lost our beloved dog just before his 5th birthday in June and I’m still sad he’s not here now. I also take annual leave to take my parents to their chemo and radiotherapy appointments. Annual leave isn’t just for holidays.

Or a bad back, like in the olden days.

But you don’t get any statutory leave if your spouse, parent, sibling, best friend dies.

I don't disagree. Which is why I would use my annual leave.

Sorry have just remembered you only want this for dogs. Do people not form attachments to other animals?

Ahh I am so sorry to hear this. That is so traumatic. Your manager is amazing! 🥰

The vast majority of people are like you. They appreciate the support when they need it and don't abuse the arrangement. I do hope your dad is well now.