Sample Pet Bereavement Leave Policy

A free, adaptable template for employers who want to support grieving staff. Use it as a starting point and tailor the details to your organization and local rules.

Offering even a day of pet bereavement leave tells employees that their whole lives matter. It is a small, meaningful way to build a more compassionate workplace.

Why offer pet bereavement leave

For millions of people, a pet is a genuine member of the family, and grief after a pet dies can be as intense as grief for a person. An employee trying to work through that loss is often distracted, exhausted, and hurting. A short, clear pet bereavement policy gives them room to grieve, signals that the company sees them as whole people, and tends to build loyalty and goodwill. It costs little and says a great deal.

What to include in the policy

Purpose

State that the company recognizes pets as valued family members and offers leave so employees can grieve and manage arrangements after a pet dies.

Eligibility

Define who qualifies, for example all full time employees, and from when, such as after 90 days of employment. Clarify whether part time staff are included.

Amount and pay

Specify the length, commonly one to three days per event, and whether it is paid or unpaid. Note any yearly cap if you choose one.

How to request it

Explain the simple process: notify a manager or HR, no proof required, and how the time is recorded. Keeping it light touch shows compassion.

The sample policy

Pet Bereavement Leave Policy

Purpose. [Company Name] recognizes that pets are cherished members of our employees' families and that the loss of a pet is a real and painful bereavement. This policy provides paid time off so employees can grieve and attend to arrangements following the death of a pet.

Eligibility. All [full time] employees are eligible [after completing 90 days of employment]. [Part time employees are eligible on a pro rated basis.]

Leave provided. Eligible employees may take up to [two] days of paid pet bereavement leave following the death of a pet, up to [a maximum of X days] per calendar year. Additional time may be arranged with a manager using personal or vacation days.

Requesting leave. To request leave, notify your manager or [HR] by [email or your usual absence process]. No documentation is required. Leave should normally be taken within [two weeks] of the loss.

Our commitment. We treat every request with compassion and discretion. Employees who need additional support are encouraged to speak with [HR] or to use our [employee assistance program].

Replace the bracketed text with your own details. Have your HR and legal teams review any policy before adopting it, since employment rules vary by location.

This template is general information, not legal advice. Please adapt it to your organization and confirm it complies with local employment law.

Sample Leave Policy: Common Questions

Gentle, practical answers for compassionate employers.

Is there a legal requirement to offer pet bereavement leave?

No. There is no federal law in the United States requiring pet bereavement leave, so offering it is entirely voluntary. Employers who provide it do so as a benefit that recognizes the real grief of losing a pet. Because employment rules vary by location, have your HR and legal teams review any new policy before you adopt it.

How many days of pet bereavement leave should a policy give?

There is no set standard, but one to three days per event is common, sometimes with an annual cap. Even a single paid day makes a meaningful difference. Choose an amount that fits your organization and apply it consistently, and let employees supplement it with personal or vacation days if they need more time.

Should the policy require proof that a pet died?

Most compassionate policies do not require documentation. Asking a grieving employee to prove their loss can feel cold and is rarely necessary for a day or two of leave. A simple notice to a manager or HR is usually enough, and trusting employees tends to build goodwill rather than invite misuse.

Which pets should the policy cover?

That is up to you. Some policies apply to any pet, while others focus on companion animals such as dogs and cats. Keeping the definition broad and simple avoids awkward judgments about which pets count. You can state that the policy covers the death of an employee's companion animal without listing specific species.

Can we offer pet bereavement leave as unpaid?

Yes. If paid leave is not feasible, offering unpaid pet bereavement leave, or simply guaranteeing that employees can use existing personal or vacation days without hassle, still sends a supportive message. The key is clarity: a written policy tells employees the time is available and that their grief is respected.