PD Pet Insurance Adds Paid Pet Bereavement Leave
Employees can now take two days of paid leave to grieve the loss of a pet under a new policy effective October 1, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Pet Health
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PD Pet Insurance implemented a new policy on October 1, 2026, granting its 200 employees two days of paid bereavement leave following the death of a pet. This shift acknowledges the growing cultural support for treating pets as family members, with over 83% of New Zealand pet owners favoring such workplace accommodations.
Why it matters
As veterinary costs continue to rise—including a 7.38% increase in Q1 2025—pet ownership has become a more significant financial and emotional commitment for households. This policy change reflects an increasing recognition of the personal impact pet loss has on employees and their household stability.
The policy provides two days of paid leave, which can be taken separately or consecutively. This is compared against New Zealand statutory law, which currently mandates up to three days of bereavement leave specifically for human family members.
The players
PD Pet Insurance
An insurance provider operating in New Zealand and Australia that manages coverage for the estimated 2.09 million cats and dogs in New Zealand.
The details
The benefit operates on a good faith basis for employees based in New Zealand and Australia. The company views the policy as cost-neutral, given that pet loss occurs with low frequency compared to standard sick leave usage. Employees are encouraged to manage their time off to support their personal grieving process.
Timeline
Q1 2025: Veterinary service prices rose 7.38% year-on-year.
Q4 2025: Veterinary service prices rose 4.02% year-on-year.
October 1, 2026: The pet bereavement leave policy became effective.
The Home Front
This policy arrives as workplace wellness programs increasingly look to align with modern family structures, which often center on pets. It marks a departure from standard leave policies that strictly define family members by human status.
If you are balancing the rising costs of pet care—which saw a 7.38% price hike last year—review your current employment contract to see if bereavement or mental health leave includes household pets. Families should also consider how to manage these costs alongside rising medical plan premiums, which are forecast to climb 18% in 2026.
The takeaway
Recognizing the emotional labor of pet ownership is becoming a standard conversation in household management. Households should review their employment benefits to understand what support is available during periods of pet illness or loss.
Further reading
For more on managing the financial and personal aspects of care, visit Pet Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Insurance Business.
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Should employers offer paid leave to employees for pet bereavement and care?
