Half of this group of workers lies to take PTO

For pet owners who work, taking their animals to the vet or needing to stay home due to a pet's illness is a common occurrence. However, a recent survey reveals that nearly half of working pet parents often lie to their employers about the reason for their PTO. A quarter of these pet-owners admitted to calling in sick on behalf of their furry friends.

Other common excuses included fabricating family emergencies (14%) and scheduling personal appointments. Over 20% of respondents said they would seek another job if they were denied time off for a pet-related crisis. A staggering 84% expressed their support for a law permitting workers to utilize paid sick leave for their pets. The survey polled 1,009 working pet owners, revealing that the average pet owner loses or must make up approximately two workdays annually due to their animal's health issues.

The root of this issue might be the pervasive guilt many pet owners feel about taking time off for their pets. Studies indicate that nearly half of U.S. workers do not take their full allotment of paid time off each year, often due to workplace hustle culture, fear of falling behind, pressure from superiors, and other factors. Fifty percent of employees expressed anxiety about requesting time off, with 61% of millennials reporting similar concerns.

Moreover, 76% of respondents wished their employers would promote the value of PTO more effectively. Despite this, workplace authorities argue that employees are not obligated to provide justification for using their allotted paid time off, which is typically part of their benefits package. This debate is not unique to pet-related absences, as workers are often hesitant to take days off for other reasons, such as attending major movie or video game releases or cultural events like the Monday following the Super Bowl or Academy Awards.

For workers who are already reluctant to take time off, asking for a day off to care for a sick dog or cat may seem even more daunting to justify. Until employers make it abundantly clear that taking PTO does not require explanation, some pet owners may continue to resort to dishonesty as the most convenient option for caring for their animals.