The New Yorkers could be allowed to use paid sick leave to take care of the Reuters pet pets
Author: Alexandra Michalska
New York (Reuters) – The New York City Council should consider a law that would allow the New Yorkers to take paid sick leave to take care of their pets and pets.
A member of the Shaun Agre Council, who sponsored the bill, said the change could promote the health of both pets and their people.
“When you take care of your animals, you take care of yourself,” he said, citing long walks of dogs, socializing with other pet owners and well -being for mental health.
The leave would be involved in what the state of New York had already prescribed, where companies must provide up to 40 or 56 hours of paid sick leave annually, depending on the size.
“We don’t give any additional days,” he told Abre. “We just say, let’s give individuals flexibility to use that time as they want.”
Studies cited by the US Ministry of Health and Social Services have shown that animal interaction reduces the level of cortisol hormone associated with stress and lowers blood pressure. Researchers have also found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase a sense of social support and improve mood.
It is estimated that 68% of US households have a pet, according to the Ministry.
“I think it’s a really great idea,” said Andrew O’Shanick, who recently walked his dog in St. Nicholas Park in Harlem. “I think pets are super important parts of human families. And if something, you know, unfortunately, happen to a pet, which would require extra care or attention or something, I think it’s important to be able to be there for them.”
The new law could prevent pet surrender and increase the number of domestication, improveing the situation in city shelters, said Katy Hansen, a marketing director and communication at the New York Animal Centers.
“Shelters across the country are full of animals,” Hansen said. “Everything we can do to keep pets and families together will help shelters and help people.”
Not everyone agreed. The owner of the dog Mieke Vandersall said the city should find more effective ways to help its residents related to their mental health and finding pet homes.
“If we are really worried about the stress we are under … I think we have to take care of these problems, not just add an animal that actually takes a lot of time and energy,” she said. “I think it’s a little weird.”
The law was presented in October and was considering the Committee.
