Beginning October, RSPCA Pet Insurance employees will receive two days of paid bereavement leave upon the death of a dog or cat. The company’s voluntary policy highlights how deeply companion animals influence daily life and the emotional strain their loss can impose on professional and personal obligations.
According to Brad Smith, CEO of RSPCA Pet Insurance, the policy acknowledges that losing a pet can affect a person’s ability to function at work. He stated, “RSPCA Pet Insurance staff spend every day helping protect the pets Australians love, so we understand how important those relationships can be.”
The policy defines a qualifying pet as a dog or cat owned by, or permanently residing with, the employee at their primary place of residence. Fish, reptiles, birds, and other pets are not currently covered under this policy.
The leave is provided by RSPCA Pet Insurance and is separate from any statutory leave entitlements that apply to Australian employees. A 2024 study led by researchers at the University of New England in NSW found that the intensity of grief after losing a companion animal is shaped by the person’s attachment to their pet.
Smith noted that the company’s own staff, as well as research, demonstrate a demand for this type of support. He encouraged other employers to consider whether their workplace policies reflect the role pets play in people’s lives, as even a small amount of understanding and flexibility can make a significant difference for those experiencing the loss of a beloved pet.
RSPCA Pet Insurance’s staff will be able to take the leave when needed, and it will be available to them starting in October. The company believes that this policy will help their staff cope with the loss of a beloved pet and return to work when they are ready.
