New York City lawmakers are introducing a bill that would allow employees to take time off to care for sick pets, similar to how they would for a family member.
Sponsored by city council member Shaun Abreu, the proposal seeks to amend the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act, which currently mandates paid sick leave for employees to care for themselves or family members, to also include pets and service animals. Abreu highlighted the mental health benefits of pet ownership, referencing studies that show pets can help lower cortisol levels— a hormone related to stress— and encourage physical activity while reducing social isolation.
“One of the simplest ways to support mental health is by promoting pet ownership,” Abreu stated to the New York Times. “Keeping our pets healthy keeps us healthy,” he added.
However, the proposed bill, known as Introduction 1089, has faced criticism. Some opponents argue that employees might exploit this benefit, and that not all employers would be willing to accommodate a pet’s day off. “These benefits cost money. It’s one thing if an employee is genuinely sick; it’s another if it’s a discretionary leave,” cautioned Kathryn Wylde, president of the Partnership for New York.
Wylde also expressed concern that this legislation could contribute to increasing living and business costs in New York.
If enacted, this law could be one of the first of its kind in a major metropolitan area. Currently, New York City allows workers at companies with 100 or more employees to take up to 56 hours of paid leave per year for personal or family care, while those at smaller businesses are limited to 40 hours.
The amendment would enable employees to take time off for service animals and legally kept companion animals, though specific animal types have yet to be defined.
This legislation has been referred to the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection this week, and if approved, it would become law 120 days later.
