New York proposes bill allowing for sick leave to care for pets

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A bill was introduced in the New York State Senate that, if passed, would allow employees to take paid time off work to care for pets. The bill, introduced by New York City assemblyman Manny De Los Santos (D), is summarized as “allows employees to receive paid sick leave for the medical diagnoses or treatment of such employees’ sick pets.” It does not specify how many days per year each company would need to allow. The bill also includes lines allowing for an employee to take paid time off “for the diagnosis, care, or treatment of a mental or physical illness, injury or health condition of, or need for medical diagnosis of, or preventative care for, such employee or such employee’s family member.” Additional parts of the bill allow for paid time off if an employee or their family member is a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, stalking or human trafficking, as well as to obtain services from a domestic violence shelter or rape crisis center.

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