Is paid leave for pet care coming to New York City?

This new bill aims to amend the city’s existing Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law and allow employees to use paid sick leave to care for their pets or service animals.

The proposal, sponsored by New York City councilmembers Shaun Abreu and Tiffany Cabán, would allow pet owners to take time off for veterinary visits, illness, injuries or preventive care. This would extend benefits previously limited to personal or family health matters.

Councilman Abreu emphasized that the bill is part of a broader effort to support New Yorkers’ well-being and, at the same time, support their mental health, which is linked to pet ownership.

If passed, the bill would take effect after 120 days of its signature.

Pet-friendly work environments

A recent survey from pet food manufacturer Burns Pet Nutrition concluded that nearly 7 out of 10 British pet parents want to enjoy the same rights as employees with children when it comes to taking time off to care for their dogs.

The majority (56%) felt they should not have to use their holiday or leave days to take their dogs to the vet. Additionally, 1 in 10 British dog owners wish to have the flexibility to arrive late to work or leave early to schedule drop-offs and pick-ups of their pets from daycare.

In the US, research published by veterinary telemedicine company Vetster earlier this year found that 28% of American pet parents would be more open to working in the office if they could take sick days when their pets are sick (28%).

A survey from pet insurance platform Wagmo carried out in October concluded that 75% of working pet owners in the US had missed at least one day of work in the past year due to pet care issues, with over a quarter (26%) missing 6 or more days.