Pet owners in Melbourne could soon be entitled to leave so they could take good care of their sick companions.
The move received union backing in Victoria where many pet-friendly companies have already executed the policy!
Ivana Stachowicz said she was having a difficult time dealing with her grief after she made the heartbreaking decision to put down her dog, Tia, as she fell gravely ill.
The 10-year-old pooch had been a much-loved family member since she was adopted. “It’s been really hard to process and find comfort,” Ms. Stachowicz from Melbourne said to 7News.
Tracey Woods, a grievance counselor, wants to see animal bereavement written into workplace agreements.
She said: “There’s no real follow up of how people are going.”
62 percent of households in Australia have a pet family member, making the country one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world.
The RSPCA estimates that there are 16 cats and 20 dogs for every 100 Australians.
Victorian Trades Hall Council supported the push for pet bereavement leave.
Secretary Luke Hilakari said in a statement: “As trade unions, we will always stand in solidarity to support working people who are fighting for things that are important to them.
“For many people, pets are dear loved ones and losing them can be emotional and traumatic.
“We understand why some people will need time to grieve the loss of a pet, and bosses should show compassion and decency to support them to do that.”
Melbourne educational technology company Versa Learning became the first company to implement leave for staff so they could take care of their sick pets.
The groundbreaking policy includes two days for pet bereavement leave, 5 days to care for the injured or sick pet, and two days to help new pets settle in into their new loving home.
Verso chief executive Colin Wood said to the Maribyrnong Leader: “Many of our employees with pets consider them an important part of the family and would be devastated if they died or were injured.
“Our new policy recognises this and means they will not need to worry about work at an already difficult and stressful time.”
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