Possible Paid Sick Leave for Pets?

October 30, 2024

This week in New York City, a bill was introduced in the NY City Council that would possibly expand the “Earned Safe and Sick Time Act” to include an employee’s care for companion or service animals that need medical diagnosis, care, or treatment of a physical illness, injury or health condition that needs preventative medical care.


Currently, the Act covers employees to use time for care and treatment of themselves or a family member. The Act also allows employees to seek legal and social service assistance or take safety measures if an employee or family member may be a victim of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or human trafficking.


The Act currently requires that employers provide their employees the following number of hours of paid leave each calendar year for the above existing reasons: 5-99 employees: up to 40 hours; 100+ employees: up to 56 hours. This amendment would expand the reasons which permit employees to use existing paid leave to take care their companion or service animals.


Stay tuned! We will keep you apprised of any updates as they come out.


If your business has any questions on this topic or any other matters, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at The Royal Law Firm at 413-586-2288.

Royal Attorneys Secure Summary Judgment at Massachusetts Appeals Court

December 5, 2025
Our attorneys successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of the Defendant from the Massachusetts Appeals Court in a Wage Act and contract dispute. The Complainant alleged entitlement to a substantial variable compensation award following resignation. We demonstrated that the compensation plan made such awards discretionary and contingent on continued employment at the time of payout. The Appeals Court agreed, finding that the award did not constitute wages under the Wage Act and that the Defendant acted lawfully in denying payment. All claims were dismissed in their entirety.

Amy Royal Named 2025 Super Lawyer!

By The Royal Law Firm • November 5, 2025
Attorney Amy Royal has once again been selected as a Super Lawyer ! As published by Super Lawyers Amy B. Royal is a top-rated attorney, with her firm headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts. Providing legal representation in the New England states and New York, for a variety of different issues, Amy Royal was selected to Super Lawyers for 2014 - 2016, 2019 - 2025. Attorneys like Amy B. Royal are recognized by their peers for their outstanding work and commitment to the spirit of the legal profession. Their knowledge of the law, professional work ethic, and advocacy on behalf of their clients allow them to stand out among other attorneys in the field.