Nestlé India Introduces ‘Paw-ternity Leave’ and Starter Kits for New Pet Parents

New Delhi: Nestlé India has announced a new employee policy designed to support staff members who adopt a pet, marking a significant step in employee wellbeing and company culture.

Under the new initiative, employees who bring home a puppy or kitten will receive a starter kit featuring premium pet food from Purina Petcare, including Supercoat and Pro Plan for puppies, and Friskies and Felix for kittens. This measure ensures that new pet owners have access to quality nutrition for their animals from the outset.

In a move that sets the company apart, Nestlé India will also offer two days of paid ‘paw-ternity leave’ to employees welcoming a new pet. The leave is intended to help staff settle their new companions into their homes, acknowledging the emotional and practical demands of pet adoption.

Nestlé India says the policy is part of its broader commitment to fostering a compassionate and inclusive work environment. By recognizing the role pets play in employees’ lives, the company aims to promote a culture that values empathy and emotional connection.

The initiative aligns with Nestlé’s global vision of holistic employee wellbeing, expanding support beyond traditional benefits to include lifestyle and emotional needs. With this policy, Nestlé India encourages responsible pet ownership while setting a progressive example for other workplaces.

As companies increasingly focus on emotional wellness and flexibility, Nestlé India’s new policy highlights a growing trend of adapting employee benefits to better reflect evolving workforce priorities.