NYC Council Considers Paid Sick Leave for Pet Care

New York City’s council is considering a bill that would allow residents to use paid sick leave to care for their pets and service animals, with Council member Shaun Abreu arguing this could benefit both pets and their owners' health. The legislation aims to provide flexibility within the existing paid sick leave hours mandated by the state, which range from 40 to 56 hours per year depending on company size. Supporters, including Assemblyman Manny De Los Santos, believe this change would alleviate the stress of pet ownership and reduce the incidence of pet surrenders at shelters. Research shows that pet interaction can lower stress and improve mental health, making this legislation a timely consideration as pet ownership rises in the U.S. While many support the initiative, there are calls for broader approaches to mental health care beyond pet-related policies. The bill is still under consideration and has not yet made significant legislative progress.