Hoping to send the message that pets are life-long partners not disposable* accessories*, a Japanese manufacturer of medicines for animals has begun giving employees who own dogs or cats a monthly “family allowance*” for their pets.

There are now more pet cats and dogs than children under age 15 in Japan, but about 310,000 cats and dogs are put down annually, said Tokyo-based Kyoritsu Seiyaku.

“Everyone has the right to own a pet, but they also have the obligation* to raise the pet for its whole life,” the company said, explaining why it had decided to offer employees who own dogs and cats a “family allowance” of 1,000 yen (US$9) per month.

“It is our dream that this system will spread not just in the pet business but to other Japanese firms,” the company said.

Kyoritsu Seiyaku does not yet allow its employees to take paid leave when their pets pass away, as does one Japanese pet food maker, but may do so eventually.

“For now, we have introduced only the allowances, but we want to consider the condolence* holiday system in future,” a company spokeswoman said.

(SD-Agencies)