New policy lets staff take four days off if their pet dies

A campaigning charity has become one of the first employers in the UK to offer staff bereavement leave when a pet dies.

The League Against Cruel Sport says employees can take time off when their four legged, feathered or finny friends pass away.

It has brought in a new policy – thought to be the first in the UK charity sector and possibly the first ever – which provides that in the event of a the death of a pet there will be an entitlement of four days’ compassionate leave that an employee can take, which will be on full pay.

Jo Lister, people and culture director at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “Some say a dog is a man’s best friend, but cats, lizards, rabbits and other pets can hold a special place in their owners’ hearts.

“When the tragic time comes for four-legged friends to pass, it can be an exceptionally difficult circumstance for owners to come to terms with.

“The League Against Cruel Sports is proud to be one of the UK’s first charities to introduce pet bereavement leave, to give our employees the support they may need when a companion animal comes to the end of their life.”

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