Pets as Family: Italy Introduces Paid Leave for Animal Care

New regulations have come into force in Italy allowing employees to take paid leave to care for a pet. This applies to cases of severe illness as well as the death of a pet. The right was legally established in March 2026.

Under the new rules, an employee can receive up to three days of paid leave. This right is granted under several conditions: the pet (such as a dog or cat) must be officially registered and microchipped, and the worker must provide a digital certificate from a veterinarian confirming the severity of the animal's condition and the necessity of the owner's presence.

The initiative represents a significant step forward for Italian labor law. Effectively, the state has recognized that pets hold a special place in people's lives, and the need to care for them during difficult times is now considered a valid reason for temporary absence from work. Previously, such paid leave was only available for circumstances involving close relatives.

The legislation was built on a landmark 2017 legal precedent known as the "Cucciola" case. An employee at Rome's Sapienza University won a court ruling that granted her the right to use leave days for "serious personal or family reasons" to care for her elderly English Setter. At the time, lawyers cited Article 727 of the Italian Penal Code, which makes it a criminal offense to leave an animal in a state of severe suffering without assistance. This position was supported by the animal welfare organization LAV. The court recognized pet care as a legitimate reason for absence, effectively creating the foundation for future legal reforms.

These new standards reflect a broader shift in how society views animals. For many Italians, cats and dogs have long been considered family members rather than mere property. The new law has codified what many have long known: that in a crisis, caring for a pet can be just as vital as attending to family matters.

Italy's decision may serve as a model for other nations where the legal recognition of the importance of pets in human life remains a point of contention.