New Yorkers may soon be allowed to use their paid sick leave to care for their pets and service animals, thanks to a proposed piece of legislation currently under consideration by the city council. The bill, introduced by Council Member Shaun Abreu, seeks to broaden the scope of existing sick leave policies to include time off for pet-related responsibilities.
Abreu emphasized the mutual benefits of this measure for both humans and animals. “When you take care of your animals, you’re taking care of yourself, too,” he stated, highlighting how caring for pets can improve physical and mental health. Activities such as walking dogs not only promote exercise but also encourage social interactions and reduce feelings of loneliness.
The bill would not increase the amount of paid sick leave mandated by New York State, which already requires companies to provide 40 to 56 hours annually depending on their size. Instead, it offers flexibility in how employees use those hours. “We’re not giving any additional days,” clarified Abreu. “We’re just saying, let’s give individuals the flexibility to use that time as they wish.”
Numerous studies underscore the health benefits of interacting with animals. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pets can reduce stress-related hormone levels, lower blood pressure, and boost social support, which are crucial for mental well-being. With nearly 68% of U.S. households owning a pet, the legislation could impact a significant portion of New Yorkers.
The potential policy has garnered support from advocates and pet owners alike. Katy Hansen, marketing and communications director at Animal Care Centers of NYC, expressed optimism about its potential to reduce pet surrenders and encourage adoptions. “Anything we can do to keep pets and families together is going to help shelters and help people,” she remarked.
However, not everyone is convinced. Mieke Vandersall, a dog owner, suggested the city should prioritize broader mental health initiatives and more effective solutions for shelter overcrowding. “If we’re really concerned about the stress we’re under, I think we need to take care of those problems, not just add an animal that actually takes a lot of time and energy,” she argued.
The legislation, introduced in October, is currently under review by a council committee. If passed, it could set a precedent for recognizing the integral role pets play in the lives of many New Yorkers while offering practical solutions for challenges in animal care.
