New York workers could soon use their existing paid sick leave to care for a sick cat, dog or other companion animal under a bill moving through the state Assembly. The measure, known as A.791, would amend state Labor Law to let employees apply time off they already accrue toward a pet's medical diagnosis, treatment or preventive care, rather than creating any new bank of leave.
Who's Behind the Proposal
The bill was introduced by Assemblyman Manny De Los Santos, a Democrat representing New York City, according to the Post-Journal. As described by WIVB News 4, the legislation would allow employees to receive paid sick leave for the medical diagnoses or treatment of their sick pets. Eight other Democratic Assembly members from New York City and Long Island have signed on as co-sponsors, the station reports.
Importantly, the bill wouldn't hand workers extra days off. The Post-Journal notes that the law doesn't create a new bank of sick time for employees, but it would allow them to take time off they've already earned to care for their pets. The station's report also points out that the bill does not specify how many days per year each company would need to allow for pet care, leaving that detail open.
What Counts as a Pet Under the Bill
The proposal's definition of a covered animal is specific. Per the Post-Journal, it would apply to an animal that is a service animal or an animal kept primarily for companionship in compliance with state law, covering diagnosis, care, treatment or preventive medical care.
The pet-care provision isn't the only piece of the bill. WIVB reports it also folds in paid leave for the diagnosis, care or treatment of a mental or physical illness, injury or health condition affecting an employee or a family member. The same report notes the bill would extend paid leave to situations where an employee or their family member is a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, stalking or human trafficking, including time to obtain services from a shelter or rape crisis center.
Where the Bill Stands Now
As of the most recent reporting, the bill's status is listed as in the assembly committee, according to the station's account. The official state Senate bill page separately shows the measure was referred to the Committee on Labor, and describes it as an act to amend the labor law in relation to allowing employees to receive paid sick leave to care for a sick pet.
New York City Already Floated a Similar Idea
A.791 isn't the first attempt to extend paid leave to pet care in New York. The Post-Journal notes that a similar bill was introduced in the New York City Council in October by Democratic Councilman Shaun Abreu. Separately, an earlier City Council measure, Int. 1089-2024, would have let employees use accrued paid sick leave to care for a companion or service animal, according to Employment Law Worldview; that proposal was not enacted.
The idea of pet-related workplace leave has been popping up elsewhere, too, though with a different focus. Employment Law Worldview reports that Missouri House Bill 3207 would require employers to provide bereavement leave following the death of an employee's pet, including a limited paid component, while Illinois Senate Bill 1670 would amend that state's Family Bereavement Leave Act to include covered companion animals, providing unpaid leave for pet loss. Those measures address mourning a pet's death rather than caring for one that's sick. A Maryland bill from 2020 that would have allowed paid bereavement leave after a pet's death ultimately did not advance out of committee, per the same outlet.
Employment Law Worldview also notes that a growing number of companies have begun offering flexible time off or limited periods of pawternity leave following the adoption or loss of a pet, even as legislatures lag behind. The publication adds that several states have introduced bills addressing pet-related leave, though none has yet been enacted into law.
