In today’s blog post, I want to talk about a question I often hear from those grieving the loss of a beloved pet:
“Can I take time off work when my pet dies?”
“My coworkers didn’t understand—some even said hurtful things.”
If you’re reading this, maybe you’ve experienced something similar. When a pet passes away, most people are overwhelmed with grief. It’s incredibly hard to focus on work while carrying that emotional weight. Many wish they could just take a few days off to process everything.
When we lost our dog, we also struggled through the days that followed. There were moments during work when the sadness suddenly hit, and tears would well up. On top of that, we had to plan a funeral, arrange cremation, and say our final goodbyes.
But how do you even take time off in a situation like this?
Do you need to tell your boss the real reason?
What if someone at work makes an insensitive comment?
Unfortunately, not everyone understands the deep pain of losing a pet. Taking a bereavement leave for a pet isn’t always acknowledged or accepted—and that can make things even harder.
Over time, through many heartfelt conversations with customers who’ve faced pet loss, I’ve come to understand just how common this dilemma is.
So in this post, let’s take a closer look at what it means to take time off work when your pet passes away—and how to handle it with care.
Index
- How Much Do Companies Understand Pet Loss?
- How to Take Time Off Work After the Death of a Pet
- Things to Keep in Mind When Taking Time Off Work After the Loss of a Pet
- How to cope when you can’t take time off due to pet loss
- Jobs That Are Easier or Harder to Take Time Off From When You Lose a Pet
- When You Feel Like Quitting Your Job
How Much Do Companies Understand Pet Loss?
There are some companies that show compassion and understanding toward employees experiencing pet loss.
However, the reality is that most workplaces still lack awareness and support when it comes to grieving the death of a pet.
Even topics like power harassment and mental health are only now starting to gain proper recognition in many companies. So it’s no surprise that understanding and policies around pet loss are still rare.
Some people have told me that their companies refused to grant them leave. Others said their coworkers made cold or dismissive comments when they mentioned their pet had passed away.
While some may say, “Just ignore it,” the truth is—it’s painful to have the loss of a beloved pet brushed off so casually. That kind of attitude only adds to the emotional burden.
Of course, everyone has different values, and those who’ve never had a pet may find it hard to relate. But that doesn’t mean we should have to endure insensitivity or feel ashamed of our grief.
So in the next section, I’d like to explore some ideas on how to take time off from work when you’re grieving the loss of a pet, and how to handle it when your workplace lacks understanding.
How to Take Time Off Work After the Death of a Pet
Some workplaces are understanding when it comes to pet loss.
This is especially true in companies related to pet care, or when a supervisor is a pet owner themselves.
In such environments, there tends to be a shared love for animals, which reflects a compassionate and positive company culture.
In these cases, it’s often possible to take time off specifically to grieve the loss of a beloved pet.
However, for many people, the reality is quite different.
When you’re honest about the reason for your absence, some employers may respond with comments like:
“You’re taking time off just because your pet died?”
Such reactions can be deeply upsetting.
So, what can you do if you’re worried about how your workplace will react?
How can you take time off to grieve when pet loss isn’t recognized as a valid reason?
Let’s take a look at some possible approaches.
Taking Paid Leave or Sick Leave After Losing a Pet
When a family member, close relative, or someone you deeply care about passes away, most companies have a bereavement leave policy in place.
This type of leave often specifies how many days off are granted depending on your relationship to the deceased—for example, a certain number of days for the death of a parent or sibling, and fewer days for extended relatives.
However, this type of bereavement leave typically applies only to human family members, not pets.
When a pet passes away, the most common approach is to use paid leave (PTO) or sick leave, depending on your company’s policy.
The good news is that when using paid leave, you’re not required to explain the reason for your absence.
This allows you to take time off without having to share details you may not feel comfortable discussing at work.
What Should You Say If Asked Why You’re Taking Time Off?
Sometimes, a caring supervisor may ask,
“Is everything okay?” or “Did something happen?”
In such cases, you don’t have to say it was because your pet passed away—but it’s also best not to lie.
If you’re uncomfortable sharing the real reason, it’s perfectly acceptable to say something like:
“I’m dealing with a personal matter,” or “I haven’t been feeling well.”
Please be aware that some people may not understand the deep emotional impact of pet loss.
If you say, “My pet died,” unfortunately, there’s a chance they might respond with,
“You’re taking time off just for that?”
To avoid unnecessary judgment or misunderstanding, it may be better to keep your explanation general.
If You Need More Than a Couple of Days Off
If you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed, you might consider visiting a doctor or speaking with a counselor.
In some cases, you can receive a medical certificate or doctor’s note indicating stress or mental fatigue, which may allow you to take extended time off.
Whether this time off is considered paid leave, sick leave, or an unpaid absence will depend on your company’s policies, so it’s best to consult with your employer or HR department to confirm the appropriate procedure.
Things to Keep in Mind When Taking Time Off Work After the Loss of a Pet
Being Considerate Toward Your Workplace
When taking time off, it’s important to be considerate of your coworkers and workplace.
Even when people take time off for a cold or other illness, it’s common courtesy to say a quick word of apology when returning.
For example, if you’re in charge of something that absolutely cannot be delayed, it may be best to complete that task first and then take time off the following day. Alternatively, you could ask a colleague to cover for you.
Taking such responsible actions shows professionalism and helps maintain a respectful work environment—even during emotionally difficult times like grieving the loss of a beloved pet.
How to Talk About the Reason for Your Absence
As mentioned earlier, it may be best not to say outright that you’re taking time off due to the death of a pet.
Unfortunately, pet loss is still not widely understood in many workplaces. Even if your company is supportive, it only takes one coworker who doesn’t understand to create an uncomfortable atmosphere.
The reality is, there are always a few people who think,
“It’s just a dog” or “It’s only a cat—why are you taking time off?”
Of course, you shouldn’t lie. But if you’re genuinely feeling unwell—which is often the case when grieving—it’s perfectly reasonable to say you’re taking time off due to feeling unwell or due to a family emergency.
This approach not only protects your emotional space but also avoids misunderstandings, especially if your presence at work might affect your performance or those around you.
How to cope when you can’t take time off due to pet loss
Storing the body
Even if you absolutely cannot take time off work, it is impossible to keep the body stored for several days.
We have researched what measures are available, so please read What to do if you cannot take time off work and cannot hold a pet funeral?
Carry photos and keepsakes with you
If you’re feeling down and can’t concentrate on your work, why not bring a memorable photo of your pet to work? Put it in your pocket or clip it to your notebook and it will act as a kind of talisman to support you.
Your pet might even be telling you to “hang in there!”
Related Article:
How to Deal When You Can’t Concentrate on Work
I carry my keepsake collar as a bracelet.
Customer Testimonials
We’ve received testimonials from customers who have been unable to come to work after losing their pets. Please take a look, as others may be in the same situation.
Ordered item, custom pillow
Make a commemorative item to take to work
Customers often ask us to make something they can take to work.
So we decided to make a slightly unusual scarf.
The front has a houndstooth pattern, but the back has a pet design.
Even if you use it at work, no one will know it’s a pet-themed item.
These memorial items also have the following benefits:
See what our customers have to say
Jobs That Are Easier or Harder to Take Time Off From When You Lose a Pet
Jobs Where It’s Easier to Take Time Off
The number of pet-related companies has been increasing in recent years. There are also companies where the president or management owns pets themselves.
In such workplaces, it may be easier to take time off when a pet passes away. Some companies may even have specific leave policies for pet-related situations.
At our company, we don’t have designated pet bereavement leave, but we can take paid leave without needing a special reason. So when my current cat passes away, I plan to use paid time off to hold a funeral.
Jobs Where It’s Difficult to Take Time Off
There are also jobs where taking time off is difficult.
For example, it’s easier to take leave when someone else can cover your responsibilities. However, if you’re the only person who can perform a specific task, taking time off becomes much harder.
In addition, if you have scheduled meetings with clients or business partners, it’s difficult to take the day off because it would cause inconvenience to others.
Many people who work in such positions understand from the beginning that their job makes it difficult to take time off, even when they have pets.
When You Feel Like Quitting Your Job
When we receive orders for memorial goods, some customers share their thoughts with us and say things like:
“I’m thinking about quitting my job.”
In those moments, I gently tell them:
“For now, try to focus only on your pet, not your job.”
This is a very emotionally unstable time, so it’s best to postpone any major life decisions, such as resigning from your job.
For more details, please refer to this article.
For those who have lost their pet and are thinking of quitting their job.
Related article: How to deal with harsh words at work
Advice on Taking Time Off
Our business is run by our family. My father is the president, my mother manages the workshop, and we currently have ten employees. Although I’m not the official owner, I am part of the management team. In my opinion, taking time off is a basic right for employees, and they should be able to take a break for any reason.
For example, taking time off for travel or leisure is a perfectly valid reason.
So, I also believe that taking time off due to the loss of a pet is not unreasonable at all.
Of course, it’s important to maintain professional standards and common sense.
Uninformed absences are unacceptable, and if you have important meetings or appointments, you’ll need to think carefully about how to handle them.
When informing your workplace that you need time off, you may not need to explain the specific reason, such as the death of a pet. Simply saying you’re feeling unwell (which is likely true) or that you have urgent personal matters can be enough. If they ask for more details, then you can explain the real reason.
The reality is, when a pet passes away, you can’t just leave their body unattended. Most likely, you’ll need to arrange for a funeral. If your next day off is still a few days away, it’s only natural to need time off from work.
I have two cats myself.
Since our business is family-run and pet-related, I’m fortunate to be in an environment where I can take an hour off for a funeral or even take a half-day if needed.
I know not everyone is in such a flexible situation, but I truly believe there are people out there who will understand how you’re feeling. Try talking to those around you.
Your supervisor may even have pets of their own.
Every company is different and has its own policies and perspectives.
If you’re unsure about what to do, don’t hesitate to consult with someone you trust.
This may not be perfect advice, but please—don’t keep everything bottled up inside.
This is an important and emotional matter, and I’m sure there will be someone who understands.
Taking a Day Off Helps You Recover Faster
Take a full day off to properly mourn your pet and go through the farewell rituals.
It will likely be a very painful day, but by the time all the arrangements and ceremonies are complete, your heart may begin to feel a little more at peace.
In our family, we brought our dog to the crematorium in the morning and spent the afternoon quietly at home.
It was a lonely day, and we didn’t do anything special—but taking that time to rest allowed us to start healing more quickly afterward.
Back to Pet Loss Stories and How to Overcome Them
