What Is Pawternity Leave? How to Use It in India

Try to get a day or two off to welcome a puppy or kitten! That is a good thing in certain offices in India. It's known as "pawternity leave". It's not a law and most companies still don't have it. So what is pawternity leave, who gives it, and how to use the first two days?

Pawternity leave (also spelt paw-ternity leave) is the leave a company may provide you if you bring home a new pet. This is not a government requirement, it's a benefit in the workplace. The number of days, whether paid or not, and if they only apply to adoptions or not, all depend on your employer.

Nestlé India is a recent example that comes to mind. In a press release dated 28 May 2025, it continued to provide dedicated paw-ternity leaves to employees, the press release said. New pet parents are eligible for two days off to bond with their newly adopted puppy or kitten, plus a Purina starter kit of pet food. Nestlé says "two days off". It doesn't specify if the leave is paid, who is eligible to apply, or if a purchased pet is eligible or not.

No. Indian labour law doesn't grant the employees the right to leave for a new pet, vet visit or loss of a pet. If there is no policy, you may take some casual leave, earned leave or work from home. Of course, you can ask but HR is not obligated to grant it.

There are differences in policy, some were announced years ago, so please consult your own HR. These are checked from company sites or from named executives:

There are other ways some companies are pet friendly. Pets are welcome at some of WeWork India's offices, and The Indian Express reported up to 10 days of leave after the death of a pet. This is bereavement support, not adoption leave.

Check your leave policy or intranet to see if there's any reference to 'pawternity', 'pet leave' or 'bereavement'. If the benefit is in existence, apply in the regular manner; if HR requests the documents to be provided, do so, and retain proof of the adoption or purchase.

If there is no policy, write a short mail to your manager and HR. You will inform the date that you will be bringing the pet home and request one or two days of special leave or work from home, and mention any appointment with the veterinarian. Offer a handover. If you are not able to apply for special leave, instead request to use casual leave.

Most policies will only allow for 1 or 2 days, so make a plan ahead of time for your pet's arrival.

Day 1: safety and health. Prepare a peaceful environment with meals, water, a bed or crate, and a litter tray (if there is a kitten). Get a vet check scheduled or attend a vet check. For a puppy, use that visit as the beginning of a vaccination plan. A small space at first, as described in our first-time cat owner guide, is best for a kitten.

Day 2: routine. Continue feeding, toilet breaks and short play at the same times. For a puppy, begin name recognition and go out to the bathroom every couple of hours, with these new puppy training tips. Limit visitors. It's better to have a quiet first weekend than a hectic one.

When returning to work, leave the pet with a familiar person, sitter or safe room, and minimize goodbye periods. If work from home is an option at your office, try a couple more days.

Pawternity leave is not the law. Very few companies in India provide it, from one day to a week. If yours does, use the first two days for a vet visit and do an easy routine. If it does not, politely ask, and have a plan ready with the leave you have.