Would you support Pet-ernity Leave?
By polachicago
@polachicago (18716)
United States
April 1, 2009 1:39pm CST
This is part of an email I get from my friend.
“People expecting an addition to the family have a lot on their minds. Besides the changes to their routines, there are short-term considerations like getting time off to properly welcome the bundle of joy into his or her new home.
Happily, there are enlightened employers who understand their anxious employees’ concerns. That’s why Virgin Mobile of Australia is offering its employees five days of unpaid leave to welcome the newcomers’ home.
Only five days? Well, how long does it take you to get a kitten settled?
In announcing the new policy, a Virgin Mobile spokeswoman said that the company understood the adjustment involved in getting a new pet. It recognized that employees “may want to be at home for the first week or so with their new addition, to settle the pet and get them used to their [surroundings].”
I would support pet-ernity leave in 100%.
The next part of this email is disapproval for pet-ernity leave as wrong and bad, because it means that we treat pets as humans. This disapproval came for Catholic Church.
I remember taking one week off from my work to stay at home when I get my cat. I wanted to make sure my cat is safe and welcome by my dogs. I don’t see anything wrong in this. After all, I am responsible for my furry friends.
Would you support Pet-ernity Leave?
Just remember we are talking about not paid time off.
8 people like this
19 responses
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
1 Apr 09
I see nothing wrong with letting people take unpaid leave of a few days to settle a pet into their home. The Catholic Church should direct its attention and disapproval to issues that really matter. Why should they care how people treat their animals as long as they are not mistreating them?! There are bigger fish to fry!
3 people like this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
1 Apr 09
This is how I feel. I didn't hear anything about dogs fight, horrible treatment for dogs, but if I treat my pets right with love....hard to understand.
HUGS
1 person likes this
@csrobins (1120)
• United States
1 Apr 09
I think that idea is bogus and ridiculous. But I would totally take advantage of it if I had the chance. If someone makes the decision to get a pet they can find a way to make sure the animal does not suffere any detrimental side affects from it themselves. I am sure the kitties will be okay. Not that there's anything wrong with treating animals like humans..I have a little shitzu and she's my best buddy. But they aren't people and don't have the same needs as people. If they did their needs to be a lot more changes to the treatment of animals than there is now.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
1 Apr 09
Pets are not humans, but I wouldn't mind to have time off any time I have new pet. I am not searching for new pet, because 3 is more that enough for me.
I just don't understand big deal and disapproval by church.
My home and my pets proper training has nothing to do with religion.
1 person likes this
@csrobins (1120)
• United States
1 Apr 09
Yeah, I wouldn't mind the idea for myself personally one bit! Professionally I don't think I could let it happen if I had to make the decision. But religiously speaking there is nothing to say because it's not an issue of religion, no matter how far the church tries to stretch it.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
1 Apr 09
Hello Polachicago,
Short of legal parameters, there should be no restrictions on an employee's use of personal or vacation time. There is no need for an employee to explain how or why they wish to use their designated time off. If special considerations are sought, it is a matter to be decided between the employee and the employer. Neither the Catholic Church, PETA, nor the Mickey Mouse Club should be inserting themselves into the employer/employee relationship.
If Virgin Mobil or any other company wants to use a creative, though perfectly legal incentive to lure the best and the brightest, then get outa' there way and let the competition begin. That's what employment benefits are -- lures, bait and hopeful retention tools to keep quality employees, and to reduce the unbelievably expensive costs associated with employee churn.
If this should broach the realm of the individual, and some boneheaded organization starts lobbying for this to be adopted as law, then we have a fight to be handled. Unless and until that happens I'll gladly chime in to tell the Catholic Church, and any other group inserting itselves where it doesn't belong to butt out! There purview of the church is the Human Soul. They really ought to focus their attentions where it most matters, and leave Spot, Rover, and Poochie out of it!
2 people like this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
1 Apr 09
well said, well said....nobody's business...
I am with you in 100%
HUGS
I am with you in 100%
HUGS2 people like this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
1 Apr 09
I would support it if the animal is a guide dog or a guide animal to help someone who is disabled, blind, or deaf, or a companion for the elderly, those who need the animal. If for instance you were helping out in a nursing home and were taking an animal to be a comfort to the sick, lying, and lonely. But otherwise, the animal is not a person. I mean is your pet more important then your job? Now if you were using part of your sick leave days, then it would be all right, but to take time off so that Fluffy and Rover get along together. I mean if employers are reluctant to give employees time off to adopt children, why should they give time off so that your pet feels good in his new home.
Remember we are talking about animals here not children.
2 people like this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
1 Apr 09
The idea was coming from employer not the employee, means they are willing to give time off when asking.
I would say that may life is more important that my job...pets are part of my life.
This is how I feel. They keep me away from possible depression and yes, it can help me in my job too.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
2 Apr 09
Oh for goodness sakes...so the Catholic Church doesn't recognize the need to get a new pet settled in and condemns anyone who treat pets as human? Hate to say it, but it's not only the Catholic Church that has a dim view of animals in general. I've had run-ins with people who plain don't think animals have a soul period.
I'm all for the idea of "pet-ernity" leave...I would think it especially important in the case of a multi-pet home to make sure everyone got along...how can one do that, if they don't take time off to introduce the new pet to the older ones?
I'm all for the idea of "pet-ernity" leave...I would think it especially important in the case of a multi-pet home to make sure everyone got along...how can one do that, if they don't take time off to introduce the new pet to the older ones?2 people like this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
2 Apr 09
Exactly!!! I agree on everything you say...
I wish church would rather be against dogs fighting industry....
HUGS
1 person likes this
@angela_allen (406)
• United States
1 Apr 09
If it's personal unpaid time I don't think there is anything wrong with someone taking a few days off to make their pet feel comfortable in its new surroundings. I would support it 100% 
, of course companies would have to have regualations to make sure this time was not being abused.
I personally took a day off the day my cat had her kittens. Her water broke on top of me as I was waking up to go to work! She seemed terrified so I stayed home to make sure everything was fine. I only took one day because she was able to handle it from there.
, of course companies would have to have regualations to make sure this time was not being abused.
I personally took a day off the day my cat had her kittens. Her water broke on top of me as I was waking up to go to work! She seemed terrified so I stayed home to make sure everything was fine. I only took one day because she was able to handle it from there.2 people like this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
1 Apr 09
Smart move to help your cat...I would do the same...
HUGS
HUGS1 person likes this
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
7 Jun 09
I don't think I could support that. Even if the employee isn't being paid for the time off, the company still has to hire someone to do their work while they're out, or spread the work among the other people.
If someone has a new pet and wants to be at home, I'd say let them use their vacation or personal days.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
7 Jun 09
I Europe people can take one month at the time and some are having 6 weeks of vacations and company never suffer....only in America we work like slaves, getting one or two weeks of vacations per year...
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
8 Jun 09
In bad economy, company can safe a lot offering not paid vacations. Everybody wins.
Happy employee is good and loyal, and will stay with company longer.
We should learn more from other countries.
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
8 Jun 09
If I had a pet and felt I really needed to be home for a few days to tend to it, then I would take unpaid personal days.
If an employer decides offer its workers this benefit, I can go along with that, but I don't think employers should be required to offer this type of leave.
1 person likes this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
12 Apr 09
it sounds like employee time off without pay, so maybe should be consider...right?
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
4 Apr 09
Hi Pola...actually, no I wouldn't. I would do everything in my power to make sure my new pet was safe and comfortable and I would spend time watching him interact with other pets or playing with him if he is a solitary pet. BUT...it is best if the animal gets used to the routine of the owner being away from home if that is the norm. I think it would be cruel to spend all my time with my new pet for several days and then go back to work and leave it alone all day.
My cat has been forced to be an indoor cat for about 2 months now. It is a slow process teaching him the reality of his new life indoors.
How awful for a new pet if it comes to your home and you are here all the time then one day you disappear to be gone for the whole day while you are at work. That would be a bit hard for a new pet to deal with. It would get used to it but I think the sooner it knows the reality, the better off it is.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
12 Apr 09
cats are curious, my cat is chewing on my plants, all of them, but prefer the newest...
she is indoor cat from the very beginning....
she is indoor cat from the very beginning....@polachicago (18716)
• United States
5 Apr 09
Probably cats and dogs are different, pets home alone can act strange.
My best friend dog just damage 5th dogs bed, because is so stress out when alone...
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
5 Apr 09
Banjo is being very destructive even though I am home...he knocks things off shelves, cupboards, bedside tables. He tries to catch bugs by jumping to the top of the fridge and knocks down everything that gets in his path. He has broken dishes (from my collection of coloured glass), tipped over rubbish bins and gouged big holes in my leg.
There was a frog in one of the cupboards next to a window. There is only a curtain covering the front of this cupboard. Banjo knocked everything out of that cupboard (except the heavy stuff) before I realised there must be something there. When I looked, the frog was between two heavy baking dishes.
At this stage, I'm not sure which one of us is the craziest!
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
2 Apr 09
HI! Pola!
I first thought that you are talking about paternity leave, which was introduced here in Govt. sector for the benefit of new fathers. I see no harm in pet-ernity leave, provided that the company also grants paid maternity and paternity leave for bringing up infants. If the Company grants these two kind of leave which I have mentioned then Per-ernity leave is a welcome gesture. In India, I do not feel any Company, even if it is a Multi-National Company would agree or would grant pet-ernity leave to its employees.
dpk
P.S. - How are you doing Pola!
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
5 Apr 09
I am doing OK, thank you for asking....
How many people keep dogs or cats at home as pets in India?
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
6 Apr 09
Hi! Pola!
Nice to know that you are fine.
The persons keeping dogs/cats as pets is very less here in India. It may be say 1-2% of the total population here in New Delhi. Dogs are kept as pets in many houses for protection and security, however, persons keeping cats as pets would be very rare because I understand cats do not behave like dogs and you cannot chain them like dogs. They usually run away from your house and they come back to your house, when they feel like........LOL!
@sunshinelady (7609)
• United States
2 Apr 09
I would support it 100%. Peoples pets are part of the family. People who don't have pets don't realize this. I believe all employers should do this. It would make the employees a lot more happier. I am speaking from the view point of being a pet lover.
1 person likes this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
2 Apr 09
I agree, people who don't have pets don't understand our point of view....
HUGS
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
1 Apr 09
Hi polachicago! I do think that is alright. It would really be a great help for the new owners to have their pets get settled in. I think 5 days is just fine. I guess, asking for it to become a "paid leave" will be asking too much, ei?! haha..
Take care and God Bless!
lovelots..faith
Take care and God Bless!
lovelots..faith1 person likes this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
2 Apr 09
yes, it is more than OK to stay at home to take care of pets in need...
HUGS
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
8 Jun 09
As I work from home, it is a non-issue. I think it will be a long time coming in the US. Nice for Australia though. I think yes, I would support it.
@lululastrange (339)
• United States
5 Jun 09
I guess five days seems excessive to me... I wouldn't think a day or two would be good, but I guess you don't have to take a whole five days leave for it.
At the same time, I have had a sick new born kitten that I had to take off work to take care of. It was born with kitty leukemia and so I just took a week vacation time to get it through a bad patch.
1 person likes this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
5 Jun 09
I wouldn't mind to take time off to take care of my pets....
@rogue13xmen13 (14403)
• United States
2 Apr 09
Honestly, not really. I think that if you choose to have a pet, and choose that kind of responsibility then take it upon yourself to take care of it, but don't put your job in the middle of it. If you have a friend to help you out who is not working or who's job it is to work with animals, then get that person to take care of the pet.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
2 Apr 09
so is OK for people to take not paid time off for vacations, but not to take care of pets? people can lie and they do it very often, it is much better to support an idea to take time without fear of loosing the job...
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
2 Apr 09
Not really they are our family when we get them but ya really dont mix dogs and cats together.
And I Was always home so had no problems with it.
I do beleive that if ya get a pet someone has to be home some.
adn I gueess it would be alright with no pay but sounds funny to me just havent ever thought about it.
They the pets meld with the family weather you have time off or not.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
2 Apr 09
My dogs love my cat. My cat can sleep on dogs heads and my dogs are OK with it...cat can even eat from the dogs bowl, dogs would wait till she finish...they are so gentle with her, because she is very small...they sleep hugging each other...
I am glad that I spend initial time with them, it pays off now...
The reason I have two dogs is to make sure they have companion when home alone...
Cat was rescue as a kitten...I didn't have an idea how old she was when I get her...
I was self-employed at the time, but if I would ever have employee, I wouldn't mind to hive them time off to take care for pets...
HUGS
@mipen2006 (5528)
• Australia
2 Apr 09
This is an interesting subject, as some couples who cannot reproduce for one reason or other treat their pets the same as children. I don't believe one should be paid for this leave, unless it comes within the boundaries of their normel sick-leave allowance. Have a great day.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
2 Apr 09
Like I said, we are talking about not pay time off...people are taking time off for stupid reasons, why not for good reason to make animals feel like at home, right?
HUGS
@jillmalitz (5131)
• United States
2 Apr 09
I think it is an interesting concept but I don't think it would work in many places. When we got our older dog my kids were in high school. I took the dog to do her business before I went to work and the kids took her out after they got home from school. I have not really thought about taking time off for a new pet. I don't know.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
5 Apr 09
I did take my time off for pets and I am happy I did...
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
5 Apr 09
People expecting a new kitten or a new puppy have much to think about before their new arrival so a weeks unpaid leave would be something to look forward to. I think that pet-ernity leave is a great idea.
I left my school that I taught at as early as possible on the Friday evening. I caught a train to London, then got on the underground, took a train to Leeds where I only just got the last train of the night to my destination. I stayed in a bed and breakfast in a village in Lancashire and the next day took a taxi over to the dog breeder. There I bought my dear little puppy, Secret. I spent the morning traveling home with my new addition. I had all of Sunday with him then I had to rush back to work on Monday morning. My friend fed Secret at lunch time and popped round a few times to see him in the day. I would have been lovely if I had a week off to settle my new dog in. It wouldn't have mattered that it was unpaid.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
5 Apr 09
I remember staying at home with my oldest dog, she is 10 now, but it was great time for both of us...
