NYC workers could be entitled to time off to care for their sick PETS

New Yorkers could soon be allowed to take paid sick leave to take care of their pets.

Supporters believe this would improve the mental health of residents who own pets by 'making pet ownership easier.' 

The bill, which is currently making its way through New York City Council, that would amend the city's current Earned Safe and Sick Time Act to let pet owners have a day off with their pets. 

Currently, the law guarantees workers at companies with more than 100 employees 56 hours of paid leave a year for personal sick time or to take care of a family member. While smaller businesses get 40 hours.

While some employees in recent years have voluntarily changed their policies, the only similar law in the US can be found in a small town close to San Francisco - however this law only applies to service animals. 

 If the law is extended to all pets and in a city of over 8 million it would be without precedent.

Democratic councilmember Shaun Abreu, who represents parts of the Upper West Side and West Harlem, told NBC New York that the scope of pets covered had not be specified - only limiting it to 'legal pets' and 'companion animals.'

Councilmember Abreu, who owns two cats himself,  said: 'It's undeniable we are facing a mental health crisis. And one of the best ways to address a mental health crisis is by making pet ownership easier.'

Locals were divided on the proposed law with one comparing the law to parents taking time off to look after children and another describing it as a 'stretch.' 

Mia Toledo from Chelsea said: 'I guess that's fair. Depends how sick. People take time off for kids that are sick.'

Konrad Kuo from Montville, New Jersey, is a the owner of a 2-year-old Corgi but he was less supportive of the law pointing out that 'pets are not people.' 

However, a HR consultant has pointed out that for more and more people their pets are part of the family. 

Speaking about the proposed law to Newsweek, Bryan Driscoll said: 'For many workers, especially those living in high-stress environments like NYC, pets are a primary source of emotional support and companionship. 

'Allowing employees to use paid sick leave for pet care acknowledges this reality and reinforces that workers have lives and responsibilities outside work.' 

He added that he believed it was about a 50/50 chance the bill would pass but if it did come into law, other cities and even states could follow. 

Since the pandemic, New York has faced overcrowding in its animal shelters due to the higher cost of owning a pet due to large vet bill and the cost of living crisis. 

If passed, the bill could help pet owners save money if a pet becomes ill and stop more animals ending up in shelters - where many have stopped receiving new pets.