Italy became the first country to formalize paid work leave for the care of sick pets. The regulation allows workers to take up to three days a year with pay, provided they present a veterinary certificate justifying the need for care.
The initiative recognizes animal welfare within the workplace and sets an international precedent, sparking interest in other countries considering similar measures.
The origin: a historic court ruling
The key precedent occurred in 2017, when a worker at a university in Rome requested leave to care for his seriously ill dog. The Italian judiciary ruled in his favor, considering that denying him permission could constitute a form of animal cruelty.
Following that ruling, animal protection organizations pushed for the incorporation of this right in labor agreements, leading to its progressive implementation in various companies.
License requirements
- Present a veterinary certificate certifying the animal’s health condition.
- Justify that the guardian must remain in care of the pet.
- A maximum of three days per calendar year with pay.
The debate in Argentina
In Argentina, there are currently no mandatory work leaves by law for the care of sick pets. However, the topic is under discussion:
- Private initiatives: companies like Royal Canin offer days off for employees who adopt dogs or cats, promoting responsible care.
- Legislative projects: in 2024, the project File 2886-D-2024 was presented in the Chamber of Deputies, proposing to amend the Labor Contract Law to include:
- One day of leave for urgent veterinary care or serious illness of a domestic animal.
- Up to three days per calendar year.
- Judicial precedents: cases like “Dharma” recognized the care of an animal as part of the family.
- Local initiatives: in Rosario, councilor María Fernanda Rey proposed granting one day of leave for the death of a pet to municipal employees.
International context
The Italian measure adds to the “pet friendly” trend gaining strength worldwide. In countries like Japan and the United States, some private companies already offer similar benefits, although they are not regulated by law.
The work leave for the care of sick pets in Italy marks a progress in integrating animal welfare into work life. Although there is no national regulation in Argentina yet, the debate is growing, and private and legislative initiatives show that the topic is beginning to be placed on the public agenda.
