#307 Are You Fur Real? Paid Time Off for Pet Bereavement?

The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

In this episode, Niall asks, Should you get paid leave from work for the death of a pet? Inspired by a new law in New York allowing workers paid time off for pet bereavement, the conversation explores whether pets should be recognized as family members deserving of bereavement leave or if this trend is going too far.

Some callers think paid leave for pet loss is a great idea, arguing that pets are deeply cherished members of the family. They point out that grieving a pet can be as emotionally taxing as losing a human loved one, and a few days off to cope seems reasonable. These callers feel that if mental health is prioritized in the workplace, pet bereavement should be acknowledged as part of that commitment.

Other callers, however, believe paid leave for pet loss is excessive. They feel that while losing a pet is undoubtedly painful, it’s a personal matter that should be managed with existing leave options like personal or holiday days. For them, offering paid leave for pet loss could set an unsustainable precedent, making it hard for businesses to maintain fair policies.

Niall wraps up by considering both perspectives, questioning where the line should be drawn when it comes to bereavement in the workplace.