Should pet owners get bereavement leave when their animal passes away? 

Most employers offer their staff time off when a family member dies but few do so when a pet dies. 

On Lunchtime Live, Declan O’Keeffe of Dec’s Pets in Wexford said most people in Ireland consider their dog or cat to be “part of the family”. 

“But a lot of workplaces haven’t caught up with this - amongst other things when it comes to animal welfare,” he said. 

“Look, when a pet dies, the grief is real for a lot of people. 

“Yet, most employees, they get no time to process it.” 

A Yorkshire terrier in the sun with flowers. Image: byAZ3 / Alamy.com.

Mr O’Keefe added that things are “starting to change”. 

“I lived Down Under and Commonwealth Bank, one of the biggest banks in Australia, offered two-days paid leave for pet bereavement,” he said. 

“So, things are starting to change and I am noticing that a little bit here in Ireland.

“We have pets with us all day, every day here at our business and in the shop. 

“They are like part of the family and we do offer a day’s paid leave [when they die].” 

Mr O’Keefe added that businesses would have to consider exactly who would be entitled to pet bereavement leave. 

“Where does the line stop?” he said. 

“If someone has a pet hamster or they have a budgie? I think for companion pets, this is something that should be considered.” 

A happy dog. Picture by: Alamy.com

Also on the programme, Gerard in Limerick rang up to talk about his experience of pet bereavement 11-years ago.

When he lost his “beloved” boxer, he was not entitled to pet bereavement leave but believes it is something employers should consider. 

“The pain is still there, unfortunately,” he said. 

“My message is very simple - time heals all wounds and for anyone that’s lost a pet, as regards pet leave, it’s not a one size fits all. 

“Some people prefer to be busy, some people need time alone. 

“But I would be all in favour of it if the person needs it, why not?”

Main image: A pet funeral sevice. Picture by: Alamy.com.