Should you have pet-friendly policies?
A survey by Sainsbury’s Bank indicates that nearly one in six employees are adjusting their work schedules to care for their dogs, such as by modifying their working hours or working from home more regularly. Are there any statutory rights in this area? If not, what are the options?

Employees have no statutory rights to time off to care for pets or arrange veterinary treatment, even if they see those pets as “dependants”. Likewise, there is no statutory right to bereavement or compassionate leave where a pet dies, regardless of how upset an employee might be. You can therefore insist that any time off be taken as paid annual leave - although do be aware that an employee may simply go off sick with depression for a period of time in circumstances of pet bereavement.
However, the Sainsbury’s Bank survey shows that many employees are seeking to balance the demands of dog ownership with their work commitments and so this may be a priority for them when looking for new employment. Therefore, if you are to attract and retain new joiners who are dog owners, you might need to consider:
- highlighting any flexible working arrangements that may be available for a role, such as hybrid working or flexitime
- putting in place pet-friendly policies, such as paid or unpaid leave for employees who get a new puppy or rescue dog, pet bereavement leave, allowing staff to bring their well-behaved dogs to the office on certain days, arranging discounted pet insurance, organising dog-friendly social events, etc.
Related Topics
-
The government has published the results of a survey of over 2,000 employers on their awareness of correct right to work checks. What do the results show?
The government has published the results of a survey of over 2,000 employers on their awareness of correct right to work checks. What do the results show?
-
Income splitting - tackling the practical issue
You recently started a new business which you run through a company. You’ve been told that you can reduce your tax and NI bill if you issue your spouse with shares in the company. Assuming that’s correct, what are the practicalities involved?
-
Multiple agents for MTD ITSA will be permitted