Media release
Losing a pet can cause profound grief, disrupt daily routines and make it difficult to focus at work. Now, one Australian employer is formally recognising that impact by giving employees two days of Pet Bereavement Leave following the loss of their beloved dog or cat.
From 1 October, RSPCA Pet Insurance employees will have access to the new leave benefit, recognising the significant role companion animals play in people’s lives and the impact their loss can have on work and personal responsibilities. The discretionary benefit also reflects the business’s commitment to employee wellbeing.
For RSPCA Pet Insurance CEO Brad Smith, the new leave recognises a simple reality: for many people, losing a pet can have a very real impact on their ability to function at work.
“RSPCA Pet Insurance staff spend every day helping protect the pets Australians love, so we understand how important those relationships can be. Providing them a couple of days away from work is a simple but meaningful way to support them at a difficult time.
Research highlights impact of pet loss
The significance of pet loss is increasingly recognised in research, with a 2024 study led by researchers at the University of New England in NSW finding that the death of a companion animal can cause severe grief. ¹
The study involved 496 people who had lost a companion animal within the previous three years and found that the intensity of grief was influenced in part by a person’s attachment to their pet. The researchers argue that bereavement support should include approaches that specifically recognise companion-animal loss.
Research co-authored by Flinders University has found that the death of a pet, particularly a dog, was frequently described as heartbreaking and devastating, and in some cases, as more painful than the loss of a human family member. ²
The researchers suggested that terms such as “animal-focused grief” may better capture the emotional reality of losing a pet and encourage more inclusive support for people mourning animals. The study highlights the deep bonds people can share with their pets and calls for greater awareness, compassion and support for people experiencing pet loss.
University of New England in NSW
“The death of a companion animal can cause severe grief – and bereavement support should specifically recognise companion-animal loss.”
496 people who had lost a companion animal within the previous three years. Grief intensity was influenced in part by attachment to the pet.
View study
496 people who had lost a companion animal within the previous three years. Grief intensity was influenced in part by attachment to the pet.
View study
Flinders University
“Terms such as ‘animal-focused grief’ may better capture the emotional reality of losing a pet.”
Pet loss — particularly the death of a dog — was frequently described as heartbreaking and devastating, and in some cases more painful than the loss of a human family member.
View study
Pet loss — particularly the death of a dog — was frequently described as heartbreaking and devastating, and in some cases more painful than the loss of a human family member.
View study
Two days of pet bereavement leave
Under the policy, employees are entitled to two days of Pet Bereavement Leave following the death of a qualifying dog or cat. A qualifying pet is defined as a dog or cat owned by, or permanently residing with, the employee at their primary place of residence.
The benefit is discretionary and applies specifically to dogs and cats. So, while employees may have strong feelings about their fish, reptiles, birds or other pets, they are not currently covered by the policy.
Pet Bereavement Leave is provided by RSPCA Pet Insurance and is separate from, and does not reduce or replace, any other statutory leave entitlements applicable to Australian employees.
For Smith, the policy ultimately recognises a straightforward workplace reality.
“People bring different responsibilities and circumstances to work, and losing a pet can be one of them. We’re not suggesting it’s the same experience for everyone, but we know from our own people and from the research that there is significant demand for this type of support,” says Smith.
“We’d also encourage other employers to think about whether their own workplace policies reflect the role pets play in people’s lives. It won’t be relevant to every employee, but for those who experience the loss of a much-loved pet, even a small amount of understanding and flexibility can make a real difference.”
About RSPCA Pet Insurance
RSPCA Pet Insurance is a purpose-driven partnership between RSPCA Australia and Pacific International Insurance, combining more than 150 years of animal welfare expertise with customisable pet insurance. Premiums help support RSPCA animal welfare programs nationwide. The insurer also offers Direct2Vet, a free payment solution for veterinary clinics that streamlines claims and can reduce upfront costs for pet owners. For more information, visit rspcapetinsurance.org.au.
Note to editors: Please attribute this statement to RSPCA Pet Insurance, not the RSPCA. RSPCA Pet Insurance and the RSPCA are separate organisations. RSPCA Pet Insurance is a corporate authorised representative of Pacific International Insurance in partnership with RSPCA Australia, which holds a share in the business.
Media contacts:
Leandri Smith | Evolab | leandri@evolab.com.au | 0433 900 356
Azelle Evans | Evolab | azelle@evolab.com.au | 0451 710 095
