Over the past decade, workplace benefits have evolved in remarkable ways. From flexible schedules to mental health stipends, companies are increasingly recognizing that employees expect support that reflects their lives beyond the office. And for many, pets are a central part of that picture.

So, which pet perks will endure as staples of workplace benefits, and which ones may fade as trends shift?

The Rise (and Plateau) of Pet-Friendly Offices and Pawternity Leave

At the height of the pandemic recovery, pet-friendly offices and pawternity leave were the most talked-about pet benefits. Allowing employees to bring their pets to work or take time off to welcome a new furry family member seemed like a logical extension of a more flexible, empathetic workplace culture.

However, recent data suggests these perks may be losing some of their luster. According to job market research by Adzuna, job postings that advertise pet-friendly offices dropped from 2,431 listings in June 2022 to 2,230 in June 2025. Similarly, mentions of pawternity leave fell by over 30% during the same period.

Why the decline? While these employee benefits can be appealing, they often present practical challenges. Bringing pets into shared spaces can trigger allergy concerns, create distractions, or even lead to liability issues. Likewise, administering pawternity leave requires clear policies and consistency to avoid perceptions of unfairness. In many cases, these perks have proven difficult to scale, especially in hybrid workplaces where not everyone comes into the office regularly.

However, this doesn’t mean they’re disappearing altogether. While some companies will continue to offer them as a cultural differentiator, they’re unlikely to be the cornerstone of a voluntary benefits program.

Traditional Pet Insurance: A Steady Pillar of Support

By contrast, pet insurance has emerged as one of the most resilient pet perks. Unlike one-time benefits, insurance is an ongoing source of security that helps employees plan for unexpected pet care costs. In fact, job openings advertising pet insurance more than doubled from 108,951 in June 2022 to 294,220 in June 2025. This growth highlights a significant shift in how employers think about workplace benefits.

Traditional pet insurance works on a reimbursement model. Employees pay the veterinarian upfront and then file claims to recover a portion of costs (often between 70% and 90%) after meeting a deductible. These plans cover a broad range of treatments, including accidents, illnesses, and sometimes even chronic conditions.

For employees, the appeal is clear: pet insurance helps offset financial strain during emergencies. A single veterinary emergency can cost thousands of dollars, and insurance provides reassurance that treatment decisions won’t come down to budget constraints. According to Forbes Advisor, 42% of pet owners wouldn’t be able to cover an unexpected veterinary bill of $999 or less without going into debt, which highlights how pet insurance can provide critical peace of mind and financial protection when emergencies arise.

For employers, offering pet insurance as a voluntary benefit is relatively simple. Most carriers handle claims directly with employees, and group discounts are common. That means HR teams don’t face extra administrative work, and employees can opt in or out depending on their needs.

The evidence suggests pet insurance is quickly becoming an expectation among younger workers who see their pets as family. In a competitive talent market, that perception carries real weight for recruiting and retention.

Discount Pet Care Plans: An Accessible Alternative with Staying Power

While traditional pet insurance remains the most widely adopted option, it isn’t the right fit for every household. Older pets, pre-existing conditions, and budget considerations can all create barriers to enrollment. That’s why discount pet care plans have gained traction as an inclusive alternative that offers immediate savings without the complexities of claims and waiting periods.

Unlike insurance, discount pet care plans are not a reimbursement model. Instead, they provide members with instant discounts (as much as 25%) on services from participating veterinarians and pet care providers. Employees pay a low monthly fee, present their membership card, and receive the reduced rate at the point of service.

For example, Pet Benefit Solutions offers a robust discount program that covers routine checkups, emergency care, and even specialty services. Because there are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions and no waiting periods, these plans are especially valuable for employees whose pets might be ineligible or too costly to insure.

The simplicity and affordability of discount pet care plans make them an attractive pillar of any workplace benefits package. They also work well alongside pet insurance, offering layered protection that helps employees manage both predictable and unexpected costs.

Wellness Plans: Encouraging Preventive Care

Another pet benefit that has proven durable is the pet wellness plan. Unlike insurance, wellness plans focus on routine, preventive care like vaccinations, dental cleanings, and annual exams. Many employees appreciate the predictability of a monthly fee that covers the basics that keeps their pets happy and healthy.

Wellness plans are offered as standalone subscriptions or as add-ons to pet insurance. Their popularity has remained steady because they help employees budget for care they know they’ll need. In turn, pets stay healthier, which can reduce costly emergencies later on.

Why Comprehensive Pet Benefits Matter

With inflation putting pressure on household budgets and younger workers expecting benefits that align with their lifestyles, pet perks are likely to remain a critical piece of the employee benefits puzzle. Yet not all perks will have equal staying power.

Pet-friendly offices and pawternity leave, while appealing in theory, face logistical hurdles that can limit their long-term adoption. In contrast, voluntary benefits like traditional pet insurance, discount pet care plans, and wellness plans have demonstrated staying power thanks to their scalability, financial impact, and broad appeal.

For employers and HR teams looking to support a diverse workforce, offering a mix of these benefits shows a commitment to caring for their employees’ entire families, including the furry ones.

How to Build a Pet Benefits Strategy That Lasts

If you’re evaluating pet perks for your organization, consider these questions:

• What percentage of your employees are pet owners?
• Are you prepared to handle the logistics of on-site perks like pet-friendly offices?
• Would a combination of pet insurance and discount pet care plans provide broader coverage for different needs?
• Can your HR and benefits teams support education and enrollment?

When thoughtfully integrated, pet benefits boost morale and reinforce your brand as an employer of choice.

Ready to explore flexible pet benefits that fit your employees’ lives?

Visit Pet Benefit Solutions to discover how traditional pet insurance, discount pet care plans, and wellness options can help you create a benefits package that’s built to last.