A shift in workplace benefits toward holistic caregiving

Employers are rapidly redefining what workplace support looks like, with back-up care benefits now extending beyond children and elderly family members to include pets. This shift reflects a broader understanding of modern caregiving responsibilities, as companies compete to attract and retain talent in an evolving labor market.

Back-up care, typically short-term and employer-subsidized, has long been used when regular care arrangements fall through. Now, organizations are expanding these programs to address a wider spectrum of employee needs, recognizing that pets play a significant role in many households.

Rising demand driven by real workforce challenges

The demand for more inclusive caregiving benefits is backed by compelling data. In 2024, approximately 59 million Americans provided unpaid care to family members, neighbors, or friends, contributing an estimated 49.5 billion hours of support valued at nearly $1 trillion.

At the same time, pet ownership has surged in recent years, particularly during the remote work era. As employees return to offices, new challenges are emerging. Surveys indicate that around 75 percent of pet owners have missed at least one day of work in the past year due to pet-care issues, while more than a quarter report missing six days or more.

These disruptions are pushing employers to rethink traditional benefits and incorporate solutions that address everyday logistical challenges faced by workers.

Companies scaling pet-care solutions

Caregiving platforms are responding quickly to this demand. Wellthy, a major provider of back-up care services, introduced pet-care support in 2024 and expanded its offerings with a “Pet Care Concierge” service in 2025. This program helps employees manage everything from emergency boarding and veterinary appointments to navigating pet insurance and sourcing specialized services like therapy animals.

Today, around 50 percent of Wellthy’s corporate clients offer pet-care support as part of their employee benefits packages. The company serves millions of employees nationwide, including partnerships with large organizations across various industries.

Similarly, Bright Horizons has integrated pet-care services into its ecosystem through partnerships with platforms like Rover and Wag. These services typically include dog walking, pet sitting, and overnight boarding, giving employees flexible options when their schedules change unexpectedly.

In some cases, companies are going even further by offering reimbursements for routine pet expenses such as vaccinations, grooming, and health checkups, signaling a deeper commitment to employee well-being.

Return-to-office policies accelerate adoption

The growing emphasis on pet-care benefits is closely tied to the shift back to in-office work. During the pandemic, flexible work arrangements allowed employees to manage caregiving responsibilities more easily. However, as companies enforce return-to-office mandates, the need for structured support systems has increased.

Employers are recognizing that without adequate support, workers may face difficult trade-offs between professional responsibilities and personal obligations. By offering comprehensive back-up care, including for pets, companies aim to ease this transition and maintain workforce stability.

This approach is also seen as a strategic move to reduce absenteeism and improve overall productivity, particularly in industries where consistent attendance is critical.

Part of a broader caregiving crisis

While pet care is gaining attention, it exists within a much larger caregiving challenge. Many families continue to struggle with access to affordable childcare and senior care, with costs in some regions exceeding housing expenses.

Labor shortages in caregiving sectors and rising costs have intensified the burden on working individuals, making employer-supported solutions increasingly essential. The expansion into pet care aligns with a broader mission to support employees across all aspects of their personal lives.

Business impact and long-term implications

For employers, investing in comprehensive caregiving benefits is not just about employee satisfaction. It has direct implications for retention, engagement, and operational efficiency. Workers who feel supported are less likely to take extended leave or exit the workforce altogether.

Companies offering these benefits are positioning themselves as forward-thinking employers, addressing what many experts consider one of the most under-recognized challenges in today’s labor market.

As the definition of caregiving continues to evolve, workplace benefits are likely to follow. The inclusion of pet care marks a significant step in that direction, reflecting a more realistic and human-centered approach to supporting employees in a complex, modern world.