Pet Bereavement Leave: Supporting Grieving Employees
Pet bereavement leave is paid or unpaid time off granted to employees after the death of a beloved animal companion, and it's one of the fastest-growing workplace benefits in the United States. Whether you're an employer building a policy, a manager supporting a team member, or a friend searching for the right words, acknowledging pet loss as real grief is the single most important step.
Pet Bereavement Leave: Why It Matters and How to Support Someone Grieving
Why Pet Loss Grief Deserves Full Acknowledgment
Studies published in the Journal of Mental Health Counseling and elsewhere have found that the death of a pet can trigger grief responses indistinguishable in intensity from human bereavement. What makes it particularly painful is disenfranchised grief — grief that occurs where society doesn't fully recognize the mourner's right to grieve. When a colleague loses a parent, coworkers send flowers and bereavement leave is approved without question. When that same colleague loses a dog who was their companion for fourteen years, they're often expected back at their desk the next morning.
The business case for formal policies is growing. Companies including Kimpton Hotels, Mars Petcare, and BrewDog have made headlines offering pet bereavement leave. A 2023 SHRM survey found approximately 11% of U.S. employers now offer some form of pet bereavement benefit, up from 5% five years prior. Employees who feel emotionally supported are more productive and more loyal.
What a Good Policy Looks Like
Most companies that offer pet bereavement leave provide one to three days, paid or unpaid. Grief researchers note that acute pet grief can mirror the intensity of losing a close human family member, especially for people who live alone. Flexible options combined with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counseling produce the best outcomes. Managers who check in compassionately after the leave ends — rather than treating the return to work as a reset button — also matter significantly.
What to Say to a Grieving Employee or Coworker
- "I'm so sorry for your loss." Simple, direct, and never wrong.
- "She sounds like she was so deeply loved."
- "Please take all the time you need."
- "I've been thinking about you" — checking in days or weeks later is often more meaningful than initial condolences.
For a full breakdown of what to say and what to avoid, see our When a Coworker Loses a Pet guide.
A Meaningful Gesture Alongside Leave
Sometimes the most powerful thing an employer or team can do is pair time off with a tangible gesture — a personalized Rainbow Bridge letter, or a small group gift. See our Pet Loss Gifts for a Coworker guide for office-appropriate options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pet bereavement leave actually exist?
Yes, and it's a growing benefit. It isn't federally mandated in the U.S., but a growing number of companies voluntarily offer one to three days of leave when an employee loses a pet.
How long should pet bereavement leave last?
Most companies offer one to three days. Flexible or extended options, combined with EAP counseling, offer the most supportive outcomes.
Is grief over a pet as serious as grief over a person?
Research consistently shows pet loss grief can be just as intense as grief after losing a human loved one. Taking it seriously at work is clinically supported, not merely sentimental.