Pawternity leave becomes global workplace trend

Companies worldwide are recognizing the importance of pets in employees’ daily lives. Recently, businesses in different sectors have implemented the so-called “pawternity,” a special leave that allows employees to care for their pets in times of sickness or even death.

Supporting employees

Most British pet owners (70%) support workplace rights for employees with children when it comes to taking time off to care for their pets or to mourn their loss. This was revealed in a 2024 survey of 2,041 dog owners conducted by a Welsh pet food manufacturer, Burns Pet Nutrition. 

This year, London-based wellness and fitness services firm Stronger Wellness introduced the pet leave policy as part of its well-being and work-life balance program.

“For many people, bringing a new animal home is as big a moment as any other family milestone,” Elena Lapetra, Co-Founder and Chief Energy Officer of Stronger Wellness, tells GlobalPETS. “We wanted to acknowledge that and give staff space to settle their new companion in without using holiday or unpaid time off.” 

According to her, it is a “small gesture” that shows that the company sees what matters to the employee. 

The policy offers all employees, regardless of role or tenure, 1 day of paid leave when they adopt or welcome a new pet. Stronger Wellness also grants additional compassionate leave for pet bereavement.

“On one hand, it supports wellbeing and recognizes the emotional bond between people and animals. On the other, it contributes to retention and engagement because it shows the company genuinely cares about employees’ lives outside work,” Lapetra says.

Founded in 2019, Stronger Wellness offers services such as gym design for homes and businesses. They also sell gym equipment and gym flooring.

Lessons learned 

The Scottish multinational brewery BrewDog has been offering “pawternity” leave since 2017, entitling its employees to 1 week of paid leave for rehoming a dog or puppy. The company-wide policy is available to employees with at least 2 years of service. 

The benefit was employee-driven, meaning it was one of BrewDog’s employees who suggested implementing it. The response so far has been very positive, with “strong engagement and great feedback” from staff, Alice De Wend Fenton, Marketing Director at BrewDog, tells GlobalPETS.

“Supporting our crew when they welcome a new dog into their home is great for well-being, but it also helps us attract and keep people who share our values and love for dogs, which has always been a big part of BrewDog’s story,” she adds. 

Fenton also says that the policy is popular during the recruitment process: “Candidates often notice our pet-friendly policies, and our pawternity leave in particular tends to catch people’s eye.” 

Founded in 2007, BrewDog has grown from a small craft brewery into a global beer brand. As of 2023, the company produced 100.6 million liters of beer per year.

In the US

In America, 1 in 4 pet owners (26%) say their dream job would offer “pawternity” leave, according to a survey conducted last year of 1,000 pet owners by financial services firm Empower Study. 

Earlier last year, the New York-based software development company Pipedrive launched its pet adoption leave policy, which entitles employees to 5 days of paid leave. It also offers compassionate leave applicable to pet bereavement.

“The leave is intended to be used to integrate the pet into the home and address any special needs they might require,” says Mariam Endelandze, Talent Acquisition Partner at Pipedrive.