Some companies allow pet bereavement time to employees…should it be mandatory?

We know that there are lots of local and international companies that allow pets in the workplace.

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Many of us dog and cat owners consider our companions members of the family, oftentimes honoring them with graves and memorials, like we do when we lose the people we love.

It only seems natural for employees to be given bereavement days when these deeply loved pets are lost.

This benefit isn’t standard, but it’s starting to gain traction. Although pet bereavement days aren’t mandatory by law, many big companies–pet-friendly and not–are realizing that the loss of a cat or dog will certainly illicit grief.

A day off–or two, or three–is certainly helpful in coping with this loss to regain a sense of normalcy. Going from being greeted at the door with waggly-tailed pup or a purring kitty to coming home to an empty house is certainly a tough adjustment.

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Trupanion, a pet insurance company, is one that allows employees some time to recover.

“We allow people to actually do that grieving process and just, just be able to heal. I think you need closure when you lose a pet, and it’s important to have the time to do that,” said Dani Kahn from Trupanion in an article by CBS News.

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The article included the first-hand account of Erica Lee, a woman who was given a day of pet bereavement from her company. She spent it at home with her son, and together, they worked on coping with the loss.

“Being able to stay home with him and grieve with him was invaluable. It was so, so important to me,” she said.

Here’s where some controversy lies: what about the loss of other pets, like birds, hamsters, reptiles, or even fish? Should there be an allowances for certain animals, or should all pet owners be granted the same?

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Do you think all companies should allow some degree of pet bereavement time for their employees?

Let us know what you think!

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