Taking Time Off Work: Pet Bereavement Leave
You lose your pet and your calendar doesn't care. Meetings still pop up. Here's how to handle work.
Sometimes you lose your pet and your calendar doesn't care. Meetings still pop up. People still Slack you. Meanwhile you're trying to breathe without crying.
In the U.S., pet bereavement leave isn't consistently protected the way some family bereavement policies are. That means the practical strategy is usually: use what you already have—PTO, sick time, a personal day, or a "family emergency" message that doesn't invite debate.
A few ways to handle it (depending on your workplace)
**If your manager is human about it:**
> "My pet passed away last night. I'm not okay, and I need a day to handle arrangements and recover."
**If your manager is rigid or you don't want to discuss details:**
> "I have a family emergency and need to take a sick/personal day today."
You're not obligated to explain. "Family emergency" is truthful. Your pet was family.
What not to do, if you can avoid it
Trying to push through the same day often backfires. You end up half-working, hiding in the bathroom, and feeling ashamed on top of grief. If you have any flexibility, take the day and let your nervous system settle.