Date: November 22, 2024Attorney: Frank A. Custode and Michael J. Giordano

A New Trend in Employee Benefits

Employee pet benefits are on the rise, reflecting a growing focus on work-life balance and mental health. The latest development comes from New York City, where a groundbreaking proposal aims to give workers time off to care for their pets.

Currently, under the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (Section 20-914(a)(1)), employees are entitled to use sick leave for:

  • Their own illness or need for preventive care.
  • Caring for a family member in need of medical attention.
  • Closures of workplaces or schools due to a public health emergency.

However, this law doesn’t yet include provisions for pet care. That may soon change.

Proposed Changes to NYC’s Sick Leave Law

On October 23, 2024, New York City Council members proposed Int. 1089-2024, a bill to expand the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act to include pet leave. If passed, this would make NYC one of the few places in the U.S. with such a policy, alongside Emeryville, California, which provides sick leave for guide and service dog care.

The NYC proposal goes further, allowing employees to take time off for any pet—defined as a “service animal or an animal kept primarily for companionship.”

Key Provisions of the Proposal:

  1. Adds a definition for “covered animal” to include pets and service animals.
  2. Allows employees to use sick leave for:
    • Medical care or treatment for a pet’s illness or injury.
    • Preventive veterinary care for a pet.

If passed, the law would apply to all eligible employees from its effective date.

Implications for Employers

For employers, this legislation introduces new challenges:

  • Policy Updates: Employee Handbooks and workplace policies must address pet leave, including how it interacts with remote work.
  • Verification: Employers may need processes to confirm legitimate pet leave requests.
  • Costs: Additional paid time off could impact budgets.

Even if this bill doesn’t pass, it highlights a broader trend of employee-centric benefits that businesses should consider.

What Employers Should Do Now

This proposal offers an opportunity to evaluate your current policies and ensure they reflect your commitment to employee well-being. Forward-thinking employers can use this moment to:

  • Reassess existing benefits.
  • Standardize policies to accommodate future developments.
  • Ensure compliance with the evolving legal landscape.

Need Help Navigating These Changes?

Our National Veterinary Law Group is closely monitoring the status of this legislation. Whether you need to update your Employee Handbook, create workplace policies, or understand how this could affect your practice, we’re here to help.

Contact us today with your questions or concerns—we’re ready to assist.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Pet leave may still be a novel idea, but as employee benefits evolve, being prepared is essential. By acting proactively, veterinary employers can create a workplace that attracts and retains top talent while staying compliant with emerging laws.

Let’s make sure you’re ready for whatever comes next.

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