06/04/2025

How Pets Are Reshaping Employee Benefits

Too often, pets are viewed as "the forgotten dependent"

Pets have long been cherished companions; however, they now are taking on a new role—being integrated into employee benefits packages. Often referred to as "the forgotten dependent," pets are a vital part of an employee's family structure. More than 70 percent of U.S. workers own a pet, yet many remain uninsured, leaving employees to bear the burden of hefty veterinary bills and navigate limited pet care options. This presents a new challenge for organizations striving to offer more comprehensive and inclusive benefits to retain and engage their workforce.

In recent years, an increasing number of companies have responded to this growing demand by offering pet-related benefits and coverage. These include healthcare benefits, pet stipends and pet-friendly office policies. With pet ownership rising—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—companies increasingly are recognizing that a more holistic approach to employee well-being must include their pets.

Unmet Needs for Pet Owners in the Workplace

Traditional employee benefits have long focused on human dependents, such as children and spouses, leaving pet owners with limited support. With the increase in pet ownership, employees face additional challenges, including juggling work responsibilities with pet care, unexpected veterinary bills and, in some cases, finding workplaces that welcome pets.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Training Magazine.