As World Pet Memorial Day is observed on June 9, calls are growing for employers to consider pet bereavement leave.

Supporters argue the loss of a pet can mirror the grief of losing a family member, a recent media release from PD Insurance said.

World Pet Memorial Day highlighted the deep emotional bonds many New Zealanders have with their animals – and raises the question of whether workplaces should formally recognise that grief, chief operating officer Michelle Le Long said.

“Should employers offer pet bereavement leave?” Le Long asked, pointing to increasing awareness of the impact of pet loss on mental well-being.

Research cited by the insurer suggests the effects can be significant.

A UK survey of nearly 1000 adults found 7.5% of people who lost a pet met the criteria for prolonged grief disorder – comparable to losing a close friend, and only slightly lower than the impact of losing a grandparent.

One in five respondents who had experienced both pet and human loss reported the death of a pet was the most distressing.

Symptoms could include intense longing, emotional numbness and difficulty carrying out daily tasks.

Researchers argue the grief is clinically significant and deserving of recognition.

Le Long said findings from PD Insurance’s own “Pet Parent” survey show strong public support for workplace flexibility, with 82.3% of respondents backing leave to care for a sick pet or grieve one that has died.

However, she acknowledged the issue was not straightforward.

“Leave places a cost on employers, and not everyone has pets, so it may seem unfair to non-pet parents,” she said.

While New Zealand has no statutory provision for pet bereavement leave, and most workplaces do not offer it formally, Le Long said many employers were increasingly aware of the need to support staff well-being and may grant discretionary time off in such circumstances.

She suggested some organisations could view pet leave as a potential recruitment and retention tool in a competitive labour market.

World Pet Memorial Day also provided an opportunity for reflection, with many owners marking the loss of animals through memorials such as framed photos, gardens or keepsakes.

Le Long said the way people remember pets closely mirrors how they grieve human loved ones, underscoring the case for greater empathy and support in the workplace.

“It reminds us to reflect on how we can support people through a loss, whether through understanding at work or simple kindness from friends.”