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Calls Growing For Companies To Offer Pawternity Leave For Pet Owners

Calls Growing For Companies To Offer Pawternity Leave For Pet Owners

Getting a newborn pet can be stressful and that's why businesses should give some time off, says Pet Circle.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

When you get a baby, it can be one hell of a stressful time; and that's why we have a system like maternity and paternity leave.

It gives mums and dads a break from work to fully focus on their kid as they learn and grow without the stress of quitting your job and then searching for work.

But it's not something that's given when you get a puppy or kitten or any other type of baby animal. While they're not humans, the animals still need to be looked after and cared for in those early days.

PA

There are a few workplaces that will allow animals but there are stringent rules in place that few newborns would be able to adhere to.

That's why there is a call from Pet Circle for more businesses and companies to give employees the adequately termed 'pawternity' leave.

The period off work doesn't have to be months, but merely enough time to teach the animal some house rules and make sure they're safe when you return to the job.

Pet Circle founder Mike Frizell said: "We launched pawternity leave this week and our employees have taken to it like a dog to water.

PA

"For anyone who knows how stressful it can be to settle your little ball of fluff into your home, having paid leave to focus on your new pet during that time means you're less distracted when you are at work."

Mars Petcare was one of the first companies in the UK to install the measure, which allowed employees 10 hours of paid leave when the new pet arrives home.

Company vet Dr Fiona Patterson said: "The first few weeks of a puppy or kitten's life are crucial to bringing up a happy, healthy pet.

PA

"And there are lots of ways that workplaces can support their employees through this challenging but exciting time - like pawternity leave, the flexibility to work from home, or best of all: pet friendly offices."

Mparticle provides two weeks of leave if the staffer adopts a rescue animal, with the company saying the time frame should give the worker enough scope to train the animal.

Scottish brewery BrewDog and Manchester tech company BitSol Solutions give one week off to look after the animal.

It makes sense to give some time off to workers who have a baby animal because they can get up to some absolute terrors if they're left alone in those early stages.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Community, Animals