Class pets as 'dependents' to allow owners to take leave for medical treatment.

Should a pet be showing signs of distress or ill health it is the owner's responsibility to seek veterinary treatment. If an employer says no, owners are expected to leave their pets or delay treatment that prolongs the suffering of that animal. This can include leaving the pet alone, unobserved for a length of time. It needs to be compulsory for employers to grant workers time off for a pet emergency, like it currently is for an emergency involving a spouse, partner, child, grandchild, parent, or someone who depends on you for care.