Bill > A00791

This bill amends the New York labor law to allow employees to receive paid sick leave to care for a sick pet, specifically for service animals or companion animals kept in compliance with applicable laws. The bill expands the existing paid sick leave provisions to include a new category of leave (iv) that permits employees to take time off for the medical diagnosis, care, treatment, or preventive care of their covered animal. A "covered animal" is defined as a service animal or an animal kept primarily for companionship, with the requirement that the animal is maintained in accordance with all relevant laws. The bill modifies the existing labor law to add this new provision alongside existing sick leave reasons such as personal illness, family member care, and domestic violence-related absences. By including pet care as a valid reason for using paid sick leave, the bill recognizes the importance of pets in employees' lives and provides workers with the flexibility to attend to their animals' medical needs without financial penalty. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A791