How can employers incorporate pet-friendly benefits into their package?

Pet ownership in the UK is currently high, with BuyaPet’s October 2025 research revealing that 60% of UK households own pets, including 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats. With so many people shouldering the financial and physical responsibility of being pet owners, it could be an area for employers to explore.  

Rising interest in pet benefits

The Covid-19 pandemic impacted pet ownership numbers, with demand for puppies for sale rising by 104% during the first UK lockdown in May 2020 compared to 2019, according to Pets4Homes’ March 2026 report. 

When lockdown ended, employees started a gradual return to the workplace and travelling for work again, resulting in a greater need for pet care, says Enza Genco-Duggan, benefits strategy consultant at Mercer.

“Pet care is being integrated into family care propositions,” she adds. ”There has been an increased interest in back-up care for pets, pet insurance and virtual vets. What we’re seeing in the human world, such as more interest in virtual GPs or private medical insurance, is being replicated in the pet world.”  

Benefits for pets are not currently a common perk in benefits packages. This opens up an opportunity for organisations to appeal to the rising interest and position themselves as employers of choice. There is also a generational influence, says Frances Li, founder of Biscuit Recruitment.

“Younger employees, in particular, are more likely to delay traditional milestones such as having children, but are invested in their pets,” she says. ”So they expect some level of recognition and flexibility around that.”  

Mark Bordo, chief executive officer and co-founder of Vetster, adds that employers that invest in pet benefits can address productivity at a relatively low cost.

“The interest comes from a measurable shift in how people relate to their pets, and what that means for their working lives,” he explains. ”There is an additional driver of access to veterinary care in the UK. Employers [that] can remove stress around this are offering something genuinely valued.” 

Pet-related support

Pet-related benefits are a practical way for employers to further support their employees’ lives. These often sit alongside family-related benefits. 

Pet insurance acts as financial protection for emergencies, while virtual veterinary access through pet telehealth platforms, where employees can receive professional advice or follow-up care, can be a quick way to get answers about their pet’s health. These are available 24/7 via video or chat, so employees can choose when to talk to a vet without disrupting their work.

“For employers thinking about where to start, telehealth […] carries minimal administrative overhead and delivers measurable returns quickly,” says Bordo. “The organisations getting it right are combining financial support with easy access to care, and they are seeing stronger retention.”

Li highlights pawternity leave as another benefit offered, which is usually a day or a week off when employees bring a new pet home, to give them time to settle the animal and establish a routine. 

“Additionally, pet bereavement leave resonates because staff often feel they have to downplay the loss at work,” she says. ”Offering leave acknowledges it’s real and significant. Employers don’t need to invest heavily to make an impact; even signposting existing support or negotiating discounts can go a long way.”  

Hybrid working and flexible hours are useful to offer. Meanwhile, the Pet Friendly Workplace certification recognises organisations building pet-inclusive practices and policies across flexible working, office infrastructure and formal benefits.  

Beth Husted, associate director, health and benefits (GB) at Willis Towers Watson, says: “Where benefits for pets do exist, they are most commonly offered as voluntary, employee‑paid options accessed through flexible benefits platforms or discount hubs.”

Some employers host wellbeing days where puppies are brought into the office to boost mental health, as well as having pet-friendly offices and ad-hoc bring-your-pet-to-work days. They can also provide discount portals that offer access to pet care services and cheaper or corporate rates of pet insurance. 

There are also options for employers to provide back-up care for pets, covering dog walking, boarding, pet sitting and doggy day care. This enables employees to still go to work stress-free knowing their pet is being looked after. 

Some standard back-up care options can be converted to credits, which can be used for pet care, says Claire Sharman, senior benefits strategy consultant at Mercer.

“This adds value for employees who care about their pets and shows their responsibilities are seen, too,” she explains. ”Some employers enable specialist add ons such as pet behaviour and nutrition courses. Organisations can also offer financial allowances to be used for pet care services, or a dedicated pet care allowance. Ones already in existence can be repurposed for pet insurance or training courses.” 

Popular in the market

Sometimes it is not always the size of the benefit being offered, but the thought behind it that matters the most. Offering pet-related support sends a message that employers see employees as whole people. Pet insurance is popular because it is practical and widely understood, says Li.

“Pawternity leave also lands well because it supports people in the first few weeks with a new pet,” she adds. ”Pet bereavement leave may be less common, but often has the strongest emotional impact.”

Bringing dogs to work and pet-friendly spaces continue to grow in popularity, adds Bordo. “The most valued aspects are on-demand access to veterinary care and peace of mind from accessing professional advice quickly through pet telehealth,” he says.  

Offering pet-related benefits can not only improve employees’ happiness and productivity, but also show that employers care about their workforce.