Italy announces it's providing paid leave for pet care, making life a little easier for pet pawrents

Author image for Briana Viser
Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
Sep 17, 2026 10:45 AM EDT

Italy right now > the rest of the world. 

As pet owners, there's little we care more about in this world than our pets. They give us everything, and they're directly responsible for us. When we look at our dogs and smile, they smile back. There's a reciprocity of dopamine rushes that surge through our brains and activate motivation and happiness. Our dynamics with our pets are unlike something with a person in a lot of ways. The love is deep, the same it is with a friend, partner, or family member, but everything else is different. There's a power imbalance, you're a caretaker to something innocent and vulnerable. There's not an equal playing field, though you both give to each other. A dog can't talk to you or calm you down in a meltdown, but he can rest his head in your lap. A dog can't give you advice about next steps to take for your future or career, but he can run around with you outside and play fetch. He can't cheer you up with a homemade meal or gesture, but he can snuggle you and comfort you until you fall asleep peacefully. That's the difference between humans and animals. 

And since our love for them is so strong and they're so dependent on us, it makes perfect sense why their lives would dictate ours in many ways. There's every reason in the world to take leave if something happens to a pet, whether they need a vet appointment, or they're crossing the rainbow bridge. The grief is immensely real, and it's impressive and delightful that Italy is the first country to decide to take a very humane attitude about them. Europe is so different than the rest of the world, and as nowhere is perfect, it's incredible to see the lives of animals make a big dent in lawmaking and legalities. It's not just about the animal too, it's about the job ecosystem where human connection, empathy, and tenderness are a part of the job requirements on the company end. It's 2026, it's time to connect the bridge between corporation and human being. 

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    Cheezburger Image 10663990784
    via phant / Africa images / Canva

    Happy dog and cat smiling in Venice, Italy. 

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    Italy becomes the first country to offer paid leave for sick pet care.
    via animalsareamazingtoo
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    Reports say Italy has become the first country to offer paid leave for employees caring for sick pets. The
    via animalsareamazingtoo
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    policy allows workers to take up to three days of paid time off annually, provided a veterinarian
    via animalsareamazingtoo
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    certifies the medical urgency. This historic milestone follows a legal ruling that denying pet care could constitute animal mistreatment.
    via animalsareamazingtoo
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    Tiny Rose20 Huh, I live in italy and didn't know that. Italy is an incredibly dog friendly country all around
    via u/TinyRose20
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    cosankov I doubt this will ever happen in my country, but I'm happy for Italians. This should be the civilizational norm.
    via u/cosankov
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    Natural_Slide49 1 Italy 2 rest of the world
    via u/Natural_Slide49
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    amazing to hear about this as a pet lover
    via u/Natural_Slide49
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    motionSymmetry someday, aliens are going to show up
    via u/motionSymmetry
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    and the test of whether we're civilized or not will be if their dog likes us
    via u/motionSymmetry
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    Blueberrymuffin999 Amazing
    via u/Blueberrymuffin999
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    Pewpew-Outta MyWaay Just when u thought u couldn't Italy more than u already do!!!!!!!!!!!!
    via u/Pewpew-OuttaMyWaay
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    DigOpen 1254 It is a remarkable breakthrough.
    via u/DigOpen1254
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    OverSoft I take my dog basically everywhere here, except for the supermarket or museums.
    via u/OverSoft
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    Most supermarkets allow dogs, but he's too interested in the bottom shelf.
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    Most of our local restaurants worry when we don't bring him, asking if he's sick and why he's not there.
    via u/OverSoft
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    Italy is a great dog country.
    via u/OverSoft

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