Sharing a personal experience that is tragically widespread amongst pet owners, I was asked to take annual leave when my beloved pet rabbit of 8 years was about to die. By doing this, the emotional strain pet owners go through is dismissed and treated as insignificant. It is not recognised that pets play an integral role in many families and provide invaluable companionship. 

The significance of pets extends beyond companionship. For individuals living alone, or those without families, pets often fill the void and provide unwavering emotional support. In 2018, the National Poll on Healthy Aging reported that 88% of pet owners aged 50 to 80 said their pets helped them enjoy life, and 86% said their pets made them feel loved. Such data clearly affirms the cardinal role pets play in our lives.

When a pet falls ill and requires veterinary attention, it is stressful and emotionally draining. The inability to request carer's leave during such times makes an already difficult situation even worse.

Thus, we seek the government's legitimated recognition of pets as family members by extending carer's leave to include pet care. Giving pet owners the ability to take time off during these hard times is not merely a recognition of the bond between humans and animals; it is about safeguarding the mental health of pet owners too. Join us in urging the government to make this vital change. Please, sign this petition today.