In 2017, an employee at La Sapienza University of Rome refused to leave her sick dog alone and missed work. Her boss disciplined her. She went to court. And the court ruled in her favor: denying her that leave, the judges held, could be considered animal abuse. 🐕
That one person’s fight took almost a decade to change the rules of the game. In April 2026, Italy became the first country in the world to institutionalize paid leave from work to care for sick pets. Up to 3 days a year with pay, as long as the veterinarian certifies the urgency and the animal is registered with a microchip. The law also provides for leave in the event of the animal’s death and time off for veterinary appointments. 🐾
Italy already has penalties of up to 4 years in prison for animal abuse. Now it also has a system that recognizes something millions of people already know all too well: when your life companion is seriously ill, staying home is not an excuse — it is a necessity. ❤️