Brussels 14.05.2026 As of 2026, Italian employees can take up to three days of paid emergency leave per year to care for a seriously ill pet. This groundbreaking policy classifies pets as family, requiring a, veterinary certificate confirming the need for urgent care and a registered, microchipped animal.
Italy is the first country to recognize sick pets as a family emergency
This allows for up to 3 days of paid leave each year for their guardian pic.twitter.com/5DDn9xC0RU
— Interesting AF (@interesting_aIl) May 13, 2026
Key Details for Urgent Pet Care in Italy:
Legal Basis: A 2017 court ruling established that neglecting a suffering pet is a criminal offense, making care a legal obligation.
Eligibility: The pet must be registered and microchipped.Requirements: You must present a veterinary certificate confirming the urgent, serious nature of the illness.
Coverage: This covers up to 3 days of paid, leave per year for acute, situations.
Emergency Steps:Contact a Veterinarian Immediately: Obtain the necessary, veterinary certificate for your, employer.Notify Employer: Inform your workplace that you are taking paid, emergency leave due to a, pet emergency.Ensure Documentation: Ensure the pet is registered and, microchipped