Italy introduces paid leave for employees whose animals get sick
2026-03-14 17:20:33
TiranaPost
Italy has given employees the right to paid leave to care for sick pets, legally recognizing them as important family members.
Italy has legally redefined the modern concept of family, allowing employees to use paid leave to care for pets that are in serious health conditions. This important precedent was set after a landmark court ruling in 2017, which classified pet emergencies as “serious personal or family reasons” under national labor law.
To benefit from this right, employees must present an official document from a veterinarian, certifying that the animal needs urgent help. The change was strongly supported by animal protection organizations, which argued that no owner should be forced to choose between their career and the well-being of a suffering animal.
The legal basis for this right is also linked to Italy's strict animal protection laws. According to Article 727 of the Italian Penal Code, a person can face criminal consequences if they leave an animal in a state of "grave suffering." For this reason, courts have ruled that caring for a sick animal is a legal obligation of the owner, which also implies an obligation on the employer to provide the necessary time for this purpose.
This development marks an important step in workplace rights and demonstrates an increasingly strong global trend to view pets as members of the family, rather than simply personal property.
