A First for Employees

Mixed Breed · Unknown · Senior · 25 years

Bucharest, 12.11.2025. The Speranța Shelter Foundation will grant its employees two days of bereavement leave in the unfortunate event of the death of the dogs that are part of their families. The measure is intended to inspire other employers in Romania as well, a country where such a provision does not yet exist in law. Dogs, known as humans’ best friends, are increasingly considered members of the families they belong to. Regardless of the age at which they enter a family, they form strong emotional bonds with their owners. The loss of a dog can bring just as much grief to a family as the loss of other members. “Dogs are the most loyal and the best friends some people have their entire lives. Especially for our employees, dogs are family members. When the one who brought us so much joy and who was by our side at any moment dies, we are devastated. That is why we decided to offer them this form of respect for their dog and this opportunity to say goodbye as they should,” said Anca Tomescu, Director of Speranța Shelter. Although employees have until now been granted time off to mourn, the foundation is now formalizing this provision and including it in the employment contract. The purpose of this initiative is to send a message in support of a more pet-friendly society. “We believe in the power of leading by example and hope other employers will follow and introduce such measures, if they haven’t already. The shelter has existed for almost 25 years, and inevitably there have been moments when colleagues have lost a family member. We offer this time of reflection also in the case of their companion animals,” added Anca Tomescu. Initially, the measure can be implemented contractually only for microchipped dogs registered in the Registry of Owned Dogs (RECS), for which the identity of the owner can be proven. According to the law, all dog owners are required to register their pets in RECS. Employees will have to present documentation certifying the animal’s death and proper burial. The foundation also offers to cover the burial costs. “We want to develop this initiative in a way that is easy to implement legally, so that it can serve as an example for other employers in Romania. Of course, within our team—now numbering over 20 people—we know what dogs our colleagues have at home, we know what their hearts beat for. Personally, I have gone through several such moments, having always had rescued souls as part of our family. You need a few days just to try to get back on your feet.” In Romania, as in many other European countries, when a companion animal dies, employees currently have only the legal option of taking medical leave or unpaid leave. It is a measure left to the employer’s discretion, and some major global companies have already introduced it as part of their employee benefits policies. Speranța Shelter, one of the largest and best-equipped private shelters in Romania, supports the bond between people and animals, responsible adoptions, and a society that is friendly to companion animals. Dogs adopted from here are often treated as full members of the families who take them home. About the Speranța Shelter Foundation Founded in 1996, the Speranța Shelter Foundation rescues stray or suffering dogs, and since 2006 operates a modern shelter with about 500 places near Bucharest, in Popești-Leordeni. Over 200 of the dogs are seniors or paraplegic, requiring special care and treatments. The rescued dogs are treated, sterilized, and microchipped in the shelter’s own clinic. They enjoy a friendly environment, with access to play areas, a spa, and other facilities until a suitable family is found for each one. Those who cannot take home a lifelong friend from Speranța Shelter can support one through long-distance adoption, making a monthly contribution set by the adopter. Long-distance adopters are encouraged to visit their adopted dogs regularly, interact with them, and spend time together.

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