For New Yorkers whose pets are beloved family members, when their animal is sick or injured, nothing else matters besides getting them the care they need. If a bill proposed last month in the New York City Council succeeds, many employees will be able to use their paid sick leave time to care for their companion or service animal.
The Earned Safe and Sick Time Act requires New York City employers with at least 100 employees to provide up to 56 hours of paid leave each year to care for themselves or a family member. Most of those with less than 100 employees must provide up to 40 hours.
Council member notes the importance of pets to people’s mental health
The Manhattan council member who introduced the bill emphasizes the benefits to mental health that companion animals provide. The importance of their care is evident in the fact that Americans spend close to 40 billion dollars on veterinary care every year.
If the bill passes, New York City would become the first in the country to allow paid sick leave to be used for companion animals. Some individual employers throughout the country already allow it, officially or unofficially.
Of course, advocates for the business community point out the costs of expanding the uses for paid leave. However, animal advocates note that anything that helps pet owners keep their animals and care for them can help reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters.
Regardless of whether this bill becomes law or not, it’s important to understand your right to paid sick leave under the law. It’s also important to know whether your employer’s policies – both written and unwritten – comply with the law. If you have questions or concerns, it can help to get legal guidance.