Employees of Pathway Vet Alliance and its 225 hospitals are now eligible for eight weeks of paid parental leave to help care for a newborn or an adopted or foster child.
The new policy applies not only to birth mothers but also spouses, domestic partners and cases where a surrogate mother was involved.
“With the addition of this new program, alongside existing market-competitive employee benefits, we have affirmed our commitment to supporting our team members’ physical, emotional and financial wellness as well as establishing us as a leader in supporting inclusion,” said Pathway CEO Stephen Hadley, DVM. “Our goal is simple: to become the veterinary industry’s employer of choice by helping team members pursue their passion with the support of relevant, competitive and inclusive programs.”
Pathway Vet Alliance owns veterinary clinics in 34 states and employs more than 6,000 people. Hospitals acquired by the company operate under their original names.
The parental leave benefit was designed partly to assist in the recruitment of veterinarians and other hospital staff.
“Offering this industry-leading benefit is a testament to our belief in our people and will allow our company to better compete for top talent in a tightening job market for veterinary professionals,” said Andrea Clayton, chief people officer at Pathway Vet Alliance.
Paid parental leave is slowly growing in popularity at U.S. corporations. According to Business Insider, companies such as Citigroup, Facebook, Alphabet and American Express provide at least 16 weeks off.
A bill approved by Congress and signed by President Trump in late 2019 gives federal employees 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
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