As ‘pawternity’ leave gains traction, some argue for greater focus on supporting caregivers for ageing relatives.
Several companies in Singapore are now offering employees time off to care for sick pets or to grieve when their animals pass away, according to a recent report in The Straits Times. This initiative, known as “pawternity leave,” has garnered positive reactions, as more people recognise pets as integral members of the family.
Despite this, pet care leave remains a rarity, with only a handful of companies providing it. However, this trend is spreading globally, with The Wall Street Journal noting in November 2024 that pet care leave, or sick days for pets, has become a key new perk in the employee benefits landscape. Many supporters on social media celebrated the initiative, with one commenter saying, “This is amazing! Pets are like babies. We need that leave.”
Last year, a petition in Singapore urged the government to implement paid pet leave for employees, arguing that such a policy would provide pet owners with the necessary time to care for their pets without sacrificing their personal leave or job security. The petition author, Rekha Manian, highlighted the difficult position pet owners face when forced to choose between caring for their pets or risking their livelihoods.
While Singapore offers 11 types of statutory leave, such as annual and medical leave, it does not include provisions for employees to care for ill family members, including ageing parents. Some commenters on the Straits Times article pointed out that the concept of leave for pet care might be beneficial, but it’s even more crucial to address the needs of employees caring for elderly relatives in the context of Singapore’s ageing population.
One reader suggested that employers should consider offering more comprehensive family leave options, such as parental care leave for ageing parents. Another pointed out the disparity, noting that companies offering pet care leave may grant up to eight days off, while parental care leave often offers only two days for similar responsibilities.
A middle ground was proposed by another commenter, who suggested that leave could be made more flexible, enabling employees to use it for various family care purposes, including the care of ageing relatives.
