Italy introduces a legal framework through which employees can benefit from paid leave for the care of sick pets.

Italy has adopted a legal framework that allows employees to take paid leave to care for sick pets, thus officially recognizing their care as a valid reason for absence from work.

The measure is based on a court ruling from 2017, known as the 'Cucciola case', which established that urgent care for a pet can be considered a 'serious personal or family reason'.

Employees requesting leave must present a veterinary certificate attesting to the necessity of urgent care. This decision is supported by animal protection organizations, which argue that owners should not have to choose between professional obligations and caring for sick animals.

Italian animal protection law imposes the responsibility on owners to care for their animals, including in cases of illness or injury.