Offering workers ‘pet-ernity’ leave from work when they welcome a new animal into their lives would "promote responsible pet ownership", a prominent pet retailer has said.

Most UK pet owners think they should have a right to take time off work to take care of their animals, in the same way parents do when a child falls ill, according to a study published this month by Burns Pet Nutrition in Britain

Speaking to Lunchtime Live, Joseph O’Keefe from retailer Dex Pets, said the idea of leave for animal owners is “something that we have to move into”.

“First of all, I think it promotes responsible pet ownership,” he said. 

“If you have an animal, you have to take care of that animal.

“It helps support a healthy work life balance - the same as if we have children, we have time off to bring them to doctors appointments and things like that.” 

Mr O’Keefe said he also believes the idea would benefit employers.

“It contributes to a positive work culture, differentiates an employer as being a pet friendly business,” he said. 

Kittens peer out from their box.

Another caller, dog expert and trainer Suzi Walsh, said she certainly believes employers should show “empathy” when an animal passes away. 

“If someone is grieving, no matter what… they’re grieving, if their pet dies or a loved one dies, I wouldn’t want that employee in work because I don’t think they’re equipped to do their job,” she said. 

“Grief is grief, no matter what way you look at it.” 

She warned that any more to introduce pet-ernity leave should not apply to anyone who is breeding animals for profit.

“When people have puppies, it’s for them to make profit because they’re likely selling the puppies,” she said. 

“It’s absolutely mind blowing they’re given any kind of leave so that they can profit off their dog. 

“From that point of view, I don’t think that’s acceptable whatsoever… I think that is preposterous.”

According to the CSO, 52% of Irish people own a pet, with 28% having only a dog and 12% only a cat.

You can listen back here:

Main image: Border Collie puppies running around.