Employers Expand Benefits to Cover Pet Care, Citing Growing Need for Workforce Support

Employers are expanding benefits to cover pet care, as well as back-up care for children and aging parents. A report from the AARP Public Policy Institute found that 59 million Americans provided care for family, neighbors, or friends in 2024, totaling 49.5 billion hours of care and an estimated $1 trillion worth of work. Pet care also matters in the workplace, with 75% of full-time pet owners missing at least a day of work due to pet-care issues. Companies like Wellthy and Bright Horizons offer pet-care services through partnerships with Rover, Wag!, and Wagmo, providing employees with reimbursement for routine pet care and emergency boarding.