Pet-Friendly Perks for Employees Come With Liability Risks

Companies are adopting a wide variety of pet-friendly policies to boost morale and attract top talent, a growing shift in workplace culture that carries some litigation risks if not implemented properly.

The prominence of employee pet benefits increased in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, when pet ownership soared as people turned to animal companions for emotional support and to alleviate loneliness and anxiety. Companies like Amazon.com Inc., Google, and Uber Technologies Inc. allow the occasional “bring your pet to work” days, while others like Workday Inc. subsidize shelter pet adoption fees.

Leave to care for a pet ...