Creative benefit packages are becoming more common in today’s workplace. Some companies are offering back-up care, which refers to temporary support for family members when regular care plans fall through. Along with children and seniors, some plans now include family pets, too.
In a recent survey of over 1,000 full-time employees with pets, about 75 percent had missed at least one day of work in the previous year to cover pet care, and over 25 percent had missed six days or more for the same reason.
Some companies that source back-up care say that around 50 percent of their corporate clients now cover the cost of pet walkers, sitters and emergency pet boarding for their employees. It’s a welcome perk for pet parents who can’t be home.