75% of Working Pet Parents Say Pet Health Directly Affects Work Stress and Productivity - Wagmo Survey

New research reveals pet healthcare benefits are now a critical factor in employee recruitment and retention

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Working pet parents take an average of 7.3 days off work annually for pet health issues, according to new findings from Wagmo, the pet healthcare benefit trusted by leading employers. The second annual Working Pet Parent Survey, which polled 1,017 full-time U.S. employees with cats or dogs, reveals that pet health has become a significant workplace productivity issue, with three-quarters of respondents reporting effects on job performance.

Seventy-five percent of working pet parents say their pet's health directly impacts their stress levels at work, while nearly 70% report decreased productivity when their pet is sick or injured.

"The data shows that pet health is a workforce issue that affects attendance, productivity, and employee wellbeing," says Christie Horvath, CEO and founder at Wagmo. "Employers who get ahead of that reality will see it pay off in engagement and loyalty.”

The rising costs of pet care

Rising veterinary costs compound the workplace impact. In just one year, the share of working pet parents facing pet healthcare bills four figures or more jumped from 57% to 73%. Nearly one-third (31%) spent more than $5,000, up from 15% the year before. And when all pet-related expenses are included—from veterinary care to food, toys, and accessories—84% spent at least $1,000, and 21% exceeded $10,000.

Yet between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025, U.S. disposable personal income increased by just 3.8 percent, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The share of workers facing large pet care bills is growing far faster than their income.

This financial burden weighs heavily on employees: 30% of working pet parents report pet healthcare expenses cause them significant stress, while another 32% experience moderate stress. When faced with unexpected veterinary bills, nearly half (45%) resort to payment plans (36%) or borrow money (9%).

The financial pressure is driving demand for employers to step up. Seventy-six percent of working pet parents believe pet healthcare benefits should be standard in all employee benefits packages, similar to human healthcare. When asked to rank pet benefits, pet wellness plans—which cover routine care like vaccinations, dental care, and regular check-ups—and pet insurance received the most first-place rankings (22% and 19%, respectively).

Pet benefits: A deciding factor for job offers

Pet healthcare benefits have become a competitive advantage in talent acquisition and retention. More than half (56%) of working pet parents have considered changing jobs for better pet benefits elsewhere.

Employer attitudes toward pet needs create a stark loyalty divide. The good news: Most working pet parents report their employers are either very supportive (59%) or somewhat supportive (21%) when it comes to pet-related needs. Among those respondents with supportive employers, 90% say it increases their loyalty to some degree. Among respondents with very supportive employers, 82% say it significantly increases their loyalty and commitment. Conversely, more than half (52%) of employees with unsupportive employers say it diminishes their loyalty.

These loyalty patterns reflect how deeply pet parents bond with their animals. Sixty percent of respondents consider their pet on par with human children as a family member, while another 38% consider pets family members but not on the same level as children. Only 2% do not view their pet as a family member.

“We talk a lot about bringing your whole self to work. For many employees today, that includes their pets,” adds Horvath. “When companies recognize that bond and offer benefits that reflect it, they position themselves as employers of choice for a growing demographic."

Methodology

The survey was conducted online Nov. 9-11, 2025 via SurveyMonkey with a nationally representative sample of 1,017 full-time U.S. employees with cats and/or dogs as pets.

About Wagmo

Wagmo is a New York City-based pet healthcare benefit provider trusted by leading employers. With a goal to unlock every pet parent's potential to provide extraordinary care, Wagmo is committed to improving the lives of pets and their owners. Wagmo was founded in 2017 and is the only female-founded and operated pet healthcare company in the market.

Visit us at Wagmo.io or follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.