NYC Lawmakers Push for Bill Allowing Workers Paid Leave to Care for Sick Pets

 

New York City lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow employees to take paid leave to care for sick pets, similar to leave granted for family members under current law. Proposed by city council member Shaun Abreu, the bill would expand the existing Earned Safe and Sick Time Act, which mandates paid sick leave for self-care or family care, to cover pets and service animals.

Abreu advocates for the amendment, citing mental health benefits associated with pet ownership, such as reduced cortisol levels, increased physical activity, and reduced social isolation. "Supporting mental health can be as simple as encouraging pet ownership,” Abreu told The New York Times, adding, “Keeping our pets healthy keeps us healthy.”

The proposed bill, known as Introduction 1089, has sparked debate. Critics, including Kathryn Wylde, president of the Partnership for New York, argue that some may abuse this benefit, potentially increasing business costs. Wylde noted that, while leave for personal illness is necessary, leave for pet care might be seen as a discretionary activity. “This could ultimately raise the cost of living and doing business in New York,” she said.

If passed, the law would make New York City one of the first major cities to offer this benefit. Presently, NYC law provides employees of large businesses (100+ workers) with up to 56 hours of paid leave annually, while those in smaller companies receive 40 hours.