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Compassion is something that we lack these days. Pets are dear to their owners and for some individuals they provide love and comfort. They are considered part of the family and when they die they are missed and mourned. It is true unless you experience something for yourself sometimes you cannot relate to the individual going through that difficult time. So I don't need to say the rest you know my stance on this and that would be to have compassion and understanding that this could be considered a family member for this person and yes they would like to take the time to take their pet to the vet.
My best advice when taking PTO it best to keep it simple. For instance “I am using a day of PTO tomorrow.” Thats it. Most companies are not obligated to provide PTO for “pet related matters.”
This is just as an acceptable reason as someone who needs to take their child to a doctor. I recently had an emergency vet visit with my fur baby at 7 in the morning. I texted my boss to let her know and her response was take care of your baby. She even checked in later in the day on him and continued to over the next few days. I’m choosing my fur baby over my job every single day if needed. Compassion is lacking in most of the job world, employees stay loyal when they are treated with kindness. And let’s be real, most meetings can be an email these days.
As the HR manager, how can you determine what is acceptable if you are not the owner or CEO of the company you work for? Not all policies apply to every business. For instance, I lost my husband to cancer, was approved for FMLA, and adopted a Bichon Frise shortly after his death. I had him registered as an ESA per the policy. As much as I love him, I never called in sick or missed work because of him. Animals do not have the same level of influence as a sick child, spouse, or parent. If people cannot agree with this, then they should be self employed.
Of course it is. I don't even need to know why they can't come in. PTO is part of their compensation and employees can choose how to use those days.
100%! The reason they need to take PTO isn't relevant. They earned it; they can use it how they see fit. Bora Bora, the vet, the doctor doesn't matter!
I can’t even believe you are questioning this. They are not saying they are bringing their vehicle to the mechanic. He is taking care of his pet. Are we serious here?
As someone in upper management myself, even if they need to take their car in is acceptable to me. I am actually experiencing that right now - my car is the only method of transportation I have. If it's in the shop, I have no other means of getting somewhere. So yes, even THAT is acceptable.
Yes — for many employers, needing to take your cat to an emergency veterinarian can be seen as a legitimate personal emergency, especially if your pet is part of your household and depends on you for immediate care. Whether it is considered “acceptable” often depends on:
* your workplace attendance policy
* your relationship with your supervisor
* whether you have available PTO/sick time
* how often you have called out before
Some managers understand that pets are family, while others may view it as a personal day rather than a medical absence.
If you feel your employer may not be pet-friendly, you could keep it more general:
Good morning, I have a personal emergency at home that requires my immediate attention, and I need to be off today. I wanted to notify you as soon as possible.
I love all of these beautiful humans who understand that pets are family. I think it's Spain that recently made this law. Of course love is love in all its forms. Hope their kitty was ok.
I think it is acceptable. Life happens, and pets are part of that. I would expect some notice and honesty, but I would not treat that as a lack of commitment.
Absolutely. Legally they don't have to tell you why?
In the end what do you care why? They covered their time. It's your job to honor that and tell the manager breathing down your neck to back down.
While I agree with your sentiment, there is no "legally" about this.
Absolutely not acceptable in any shape or form why cant sumone else take it to rhe vet thats a lame excuse
Thats on a need to know bases and u dont need to know
My boss would never even think about dinging me for taking one of my cats to the vet for an emergency.
I try to look at situations like this with both empathy and awareness of the bigger picture.
If someone calls out because they need to take their cat to the vet, my first instinct isn’t to question their priorities—it’s to recognize that something likely feels urgent or important to them. For many people, pets are part of their emotional support system and family structure. Dismissing that outright can make people feel undervalued as individuals, not just employees.
At the same time, I’m also thinking about the impact on the team. If there’s an important meeting, others may have prepared, clients may be involved, and there’s a shared responsibility to show up for one another. That matters too.
So for me, it’s less about judging the reason and more about understanding the intent and the follow-through. Did the employee communicate openly and as early as possible? Are they aware of how their absence affects others? Did they try to find a solution—like joining briefly, rescheduling, or making sure someone else is prepared to step in?
When someone demonstrates that level of awareness and ownership, I’m much more inclined to support them without hesitation. It shows emotional intelligence on their part as well.
Ultimately, I believe people do their best work in environments where they feel trusted and understood—but that trust is strengthened when it’s paired with accountability. It’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about creating a culture where both exist at the same time.
I don’t really know how to say this in a professional manner but if this is a question you’re asking, you and your company sound awful. Let me reframe this in a way that might lead you to the right answer: “Should businesses require employees to allow their pet to die so the work can get done?”
Ditto to all the compassionate people here. To HR Business Partner, used to be HR was considered the "heart" of a company. This meant people centered. People have problems and if not a problem themselves, deserve some latitude for what life throws at them.
If the EE has PTO, does it matter if it's a cat or a hamster?
How is this Q even being asked on a forum, when you have two places to support your question, the benefit policy and company policy? This is being asked from an HRBP? Even a HR Representative would know the answer.
Absolutely this is acceptable! Pet parents see their pets as family and in my eyes, family first. When a medical emergency occurs, they must deal with it. If they don't, I would consider that animal cruelty and that is against the law.
An emergency visit for ANY living creature is acceptable. Maybe anyone even asking this question should be looked at harder than any excuse someone gives for the use of their PTO that they don't need to excuse, btw.
Ofcourde yes ! No doubt
Absolutely without a doubt, I would even pick up the appointment fee.
Absolutely, assuming the person was truthful, they could just as well have said they needed to take their kid to the doctor or that they were sick. Pets are an important part of people's lives. With the mental health crises we have going on, having a pet sure helps a lot of people. Not sure of the role, but this person could have logged in from home and not missed any work
Yes.