More than half of Brits skip work to look after their sick dog

New research shows 'pawrents' put their pets first when it comes to care

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Family friend: Britain is a nation of dog lovers
1 February 2019

More than half of Brits admit they would take the day off work to look after their sick dog, according to new research from Rover.com.

The dog walking and sitting service found that just 26 per cent of owners would still go to work if their pet was unwell, with 13 per cent not currently in work.

An overwhelming majority of owners want to stay with their dog when they are sick. In fact, the survey revealed 81 per cent of 'pawrents' have admitted to lying to their employer in the past, making up an excuse as to why they were not at work rather than tell the truth.

The top 10 excuses include looking after a child, faking a dentist appointment or blaming public transport.

Manchester tops the list of cities with dog owners who took the most sick days at 77 per cent. Brightonians are the least likely, with just 38 per cent of those surveyed saying they would stay home. London comes in at an average 60 per cent.

When it comes to puppy pawternity leave, more than half (59 per cent) of Brits would like to take time off to care for their new pet but 62 per cent do not think their workplace would let them. A further 59 per cent worry that their colleagues would not approve.

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Christopher Cederskog, European General Manager at Rover.com, says: “Most owners see and treat their dog as part of their family, so it is only natural that when their dog is sick, they like to take time off to care for them, just like they would their child. Brits’ love for their pets is undeniable.”

For more information or to sign up either as a walker, sitter or owner visit rover.com.

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