New York City’s Council Considers Paid Sick Leave for Pet Care
New York City’s council is set to consider a bill that would allow residents to take paid sick leave to care for their pets and service animals. The legislation, sponsored by Council member Shaun Abreu, aims to promote health for both pets and their humans.
Abreu believes that taking care of pets can have numerous benefits for humans, including reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and increasing feelings of social support. The leave would be included in the already mandated paid sick leave provided by New York State, which requires companies to provide up to 40 or 56 hours of paid sick leave per year, depending on their size.
Studies have shown that interacting with animals can decrease levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol and lower blood pressure. Additionally, animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost one’s mood. With an estimated 68% of U.S. households having a pet, the legislation aims to provide individuals with the flexibility to use their paid sick leave as they wish.
Supporters of the bill, including Andrew O’Shanick, who was recently walking his dog at St. Nicholas Park in Harlem, believe that pets are an important part of people’s families and that the legislation could prevent pet surrenders and increase adoptions, improving the situation at the city’s shelters.
However, not everyone agrees. Dog owner Mieke Vandersall believes that the city should focus on finding more effective ways to help its residents with their mental health and to find homes for shelter pets, rather than adding an animal that requires a lot of time and energy.
The legislation was introduced in October and is currently being considered by a committee. If passed, it could provide a new benefit for New York City residents and their pets.
