Closed petition Give employees a right to bereavement leave following the death of a pet

Closed on 7 April 2023

To give people rights to bereavement leave for the death of their beloved pets, as parents do following the loss of a child. Many people see pets as pet of their family, and allowing bereaved pet owners to take time off would give them time to grieve.

A number of employers allow workers to take compassionate leave after a pet dies. I want all employees to have a right to this.

Losing a beloved pet can be as bad for some people as losing a child. In my case, having just had a miscarriage, it felt like two losses. Like many other people, my cat gave me comfort and reassurance. For solace, assurance, and assistance with loneliness, many of us look to dogs, cats, and other pets.