Pet Bereavement Leave: Your Rights, Company Policies & How to Ask (2026)

When your beloved pet passes away, the last thing you want to think about is returning to work. Yet for millions of pet owners each year, the grief that follows losing a furry, feathered, or scaled family member collides head-on with professional obligations. The workplace is slowly—but meaningfully—beginning to recognize that pet loss is real grief, and that employees need time and space to mourn.

According to the American Pet Products Association, roughly 66% of U.S. households own a pet. That means most of your coworkers, managers, and HR representatives are pet owners themselves. Despite this, formal pet bereavement leave remains the exception rather than the rule. The good news? That is changing rapidly.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about pet bereavement leave in 2026: which companies already offer it, what the law says, how to ask your employer for time off, what to do if you are denied, and how to cope with grief while working. Whether you are facing this situation right now or want to advocate for better policies at your workplace, this article is for you.

The Growing Movement for Pet Bereavement Leave

The concept of pet bereavement leave would have seemed laughable in many boardrooms just a decade ago. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing employee benefit categories in the United States and beyond. The shift reflects a broader cultural recognition that the human-animal bond is deep, meaningful, and worthy of respect.

A 2023 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that approximately 9% of U.S. employers offered some form of paid pet bereavement leave, up from just 3% in 2019. Among companies with 500 or more employees, that number climbed to 15%. Industry leaders in pet care, hospitality, and technology have been at the forefront of this trend.

The driving forces behind the movement are generational, economic, and emotional. Millennials and Gen Z—who now make up the majority of the workforce—are far more likely to view their pets as family members. At the same time, employers are competing fiercely for talent and discovering that compassionate benefits packages attract and retain employees more effectively than marginal salary increases.

The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated this trend. With millions of people working from home alongside their pets for years, the bond deepened even further. Many companies that introduced pet-friendly policies during the pandemic era have maintained or expanded them. The result is a workplace culture that increasingly acknowledges what pet owners have always known: losing a pet is a profound loss that deserves compassion, not dismissal.

Companies That Already Offer Pet Bereavement Leave

A growing number of forward-thinking companies have already implemented formal pet bereavement policies. Here are some of the most notable examples and what their policies include:

Other companies known to offer some form of pet bereavement benefit include Trupanion (pet insurance), Build-A-Bear Workshop, and several major law firms and tech startups. The trend is strongest in industries where talent competition is fierce and company culture is a key differentiator.

What the Law Says

As of 2026, there is no federal law in the United States that requires employers to provide pet bereavement leave. In fact, even traditional bereavement leave for the loss of a human family member is not federally mandated—it is left to individual employer discretion. However, the legal landscape is evolving.

United States: State-by-State Status

No U.S. state currently mandates pet bereavement leave, but several states have seen legislative proposals introduced:

• New York: A bill was introduced in the state legislature proposing up to three days of unpaid pet bereavement leave for employees at companies with 50+ workers. While it has not yet passed, it represents the most serious legislative effort to date.
• Oregon: Known for progressive worker protections, Oregon's legislature has discussed including pet loss under existing bereavement leave statutes, though no formal bill has advanced.
• California: Several municipalities in California have explored pet bereavement leave ordinances, reflecting the state's strong pet-owner advocacy culture.
• Illinois and New Jersey: Both states have seen grassroots campaigns urging lawmakers to consider pet bereavement protections.

Federal Protections That May Apply

While there is no pet-specific federal law, some existing protections may indirectly help:

• FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act): Does not cover pet loss directly, but if your grief triggers a qualifying medical condition (such as severe depression or anxiety), you may be eligible for FMLA leave with proper medical documentation.
• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): If you have a documented emotional support animal whose loss exacerbates a disability, you may have grounds for accommodation.
• State sick leave laws: Many states allow sick leave to be used for mental health reasons, which can include grief-related distress.

How to Ask Your Employer for Time Off

Asking for time off after losing a pet can feel vulnerable and intimidating, especially if your workplace does not have a formal pet bereavement policy. The key is to approach the conversation professionally, directly, and without over-explaining. You do not need to justify the depth of your grief to anyone.

Tips for the Conversation

• Be straightforward: You do not need to say “I know this might sound silly, but...” Your loss is real. State it simply.
• Frame it around work impact: Explain that you need time to process a family loss so you can return at full capacity.
• Suggest a plan: Offering a coverage plan shows professionalism and makes it easier for your manager to say yes.
• Know your options: Be prepared to use PTO, sick days, or unpaid leave if formal bereavement leave is not available.
• Put it in writing: An email creates a paper trail and gives your manager time to respond thoughtfully.

Email Template: Requesting Pet Bereavement Leave

Alternative Approach: Speaking to Your Manager Directly

If you prefer a face-to-face or phone conversation, keep it brief and professional. You might say: “I lost my pet this week and I'm having a difficult time. I'd like to take [one or two days] off to grieve. I've arranged coverage with [colleague] and will be back on [date].” Most compassionate managers will understand. If they push back, move to the email approach to create documentation.

What to Do If Your Request Is Denied

Not every employer will be understanding, and not every manager will approve your request. If your initial request for pet bereavement leave is denied, you still have options.

If you have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), contact them. Most EAPs offer free short-term counseling sessions that can help you process your grief. Some EAP counselors can also help you communicate with your employer about your needs. If your grief is severe, a healthcare provider can document your condition, which may open the door to FMLA leave or disability accommodations.

Managing Grief at Work

Sometimes you simply cannot take time off. Maybe you are a new employee, you have used all your PTO, or your role does not allow extended absences. If you find yourself navigating pet loss grief at work, these strategies can help you get through each day.

Immediate Coping Strategies

• Give yourself permission to grieve: You do not have to pretend everything is fine. Acknowledging your pain—even silently—is healthier than suppressing it.
• Take bathroom breaks: If you feel tears coming, step away. A few minutes in a private space can help you release emotion without the pressure of an audience.
• Step outside: Fresh air and a short walk can reset your nervous system. Even five minutes can make a difference during a difficult moment.
• Keep a photo nearby: Some people find comfort in having a small photo of their pet at their desk. Others find it too painful. Do what feels right for you.
• Set smaller goals: Instead of thinking about surviving the whole day, focus on getting through the next hour. Break your tasks into manageable chunks.
• Use headphones: Listening to calming music or a grief podcast during lunch or breaks can provide a private moment of processing during the workday.

Communicating With Coworkers

You get to choose how much you share. Some people find that telling a trusted colleague provides much-needed support during the workday. Others prefer to keep their grief private. Both approaches are valid. If you do share, a brief statement like “I lost my pet recently and I'm having a tough time” gives people enough context to be compassionate without requiring a detailed conversation.

Making the Case to Your HR Department

If your company does not currently offer pet bereavement leave, you can be the one to change that. Advocating for a new policy benefits not only you but every pet-owning employee at your organization. Here is how to build a compelling case.

The Business Case for Pet Bereavement Leave

When approaching HR, frame your proposal around business outcomes, not just compassion. Here are the data points that matter:

• Employee retention: Companies with compassionate benefits see 11–15% lower voluntary turnover. Replacing an employee costs 50–200% of their annual salary.
• Productivity: Employees grieving without support report 30–40% reduced productivity for 2–4 weeks. One or two days off can prevent weeks of diminished output.
• Employer branding: Pet bereavement leave generates positive press and social media attention. Multiple companies have gone viral for introducing pet-friendly policies.
• Minimal cost: The average employee uses pet bereavement leave once every 7–12 years. At 1–3 days per occurrence, the direct cost is negligible compared to the goodwill generated.
• Competitive advantage: In a tight labor market, unique benefits differentiate your company from competitors recruiting the same talent pool.

Sample Pet Bereavement Policy Language

When presenting this to HR, emphasize that you are not asking for a radical change. You are asking your company to join a growing movement of employers who understand that a small investment in compassion yields enormous returns in loyalty, engagement, and culture.

How Other Countries Handle Pet Bereavement

The conversation about pet bereavement leave is not limited to the United States. Countries around the world are wrestling with the same questions, and some are further along than others.

The international trend is clear: as societies increasingly recognize pets as family members, workplace policies are evolving to reflect that reality. What begins as a progressive benefit offered by a handful of companies tends to become standard practice within a decade. Pet bereavement leave appears to be on that same trajectory.

Resources for Grieving Pet Owners

Whether or not your employer offers pet bereavement leave, you deserve support. Here are resources that can help during this difficult time:

Creating a lasting tribute can be a meaningful part of your grieving process. Many people find that writing about their pet, sharing photos, and reading messages from others helps them process their loss. Our comprehensive pet loss grief guide offers additional coping strategies and healing tools.