Pet parents are seeking a sense of community. Employers can help.

As any pet parent knows, caring for furry loved ones can often be stressful, especially if they feel like they’re in it alone. In fact, a recent MetLife and OnePoll survey found that more than half (58%) of pet parents worry about their pet’s health more than their own. As pets become more than just “furry friends,” but truly a part of the family, many are looking to their employer for benefits that can protect their pets.

Indeed, a MetLife study found that more than half (51%) of working pet parents who are actively considering changing jobs say their current employer does not offer adequate pet benefits – which may have an impact on their decision to stay or find a new job. Particularly amid today’s Great Resignation, this means that employers who want to retain and attract talent will need to go beyond basic benefits like pet insurance to support their pet parent employees.

One way that employers can do this is by helping their employees foster a community of experts and other pet parents. Indeed, as pet parents try to navigate the stressors in their pet parenting journey, it may be helpful to find a community of trustworthy, reliable people and resources who can help them feel more confident and decisive in their day-to-day parenting responsibilities.

The following are three considerations for employers who are looking to help their employees find and lean on supportive communities of other working pet parents and experts.

Finding and establishing community at work and beyond

There are many ways for pet parents to find community around them – whether it be virtual or in-person opportunities – and employers should lend a hand in the process. Employers can consider establishing a pet parent group at work for employees to ask questions, crowdsource advice and receive support from co-workers.

They can also encourage employees to look to their existing communities outside of work, like family and friends, for recommendations, as well as social media platforms (e.g., Facebook or Instagram) to find and join pet parent groups online or in-person in their local area.

Providing financial tools and resources

Considering the costs associated with being a pet parent, employers should also play a role in providing working pet parents the financial resources and tools they need to find – and afford – their community. In fact, there is often a major financial burden on pet parents, as the recent MetLife and OnePoll survey finds over half (52%) of pet parents spend more money on their pets every year than they do on themselves.

Employers should also communicate to employees about how to leverage financial wellness tools and apps, as well as seek guidance from experts – like reputable vets, pet insurance providers, and groomers in the area – about cost-saving and budgeting tips. What’s more, employers can pitch in by offering pet stipends that allow employees connect with high-quality caretakers they may have not been otherwise been able to afford, like a professional dog walker or pet sitter, for example.

Offering comprehensive pet benefits

Pet insurance offerings have increasingly resonated with employees – MetLife’s 2021 Employee Benefit Trends Study saw that pet insurance was one of the plans where interest grew the most – rising 5 percentage points from 2020 to 2021. Employers can keep up with this trend, but take it a step further, by offering a benefits package that covers a holistic view of pet parents’ needs.

Comprehensive pet insurance offerings, like providing reimbursements for pet product and services review apps, can help employees find a trustworthy and supportive community for their pets, including the right caregivers, vets, groomers, and other pet service providers. Moreover, employers can be an important ally in employees’ pet parent community by offering resources that help them balance their work and pet responsibilities – like in-office dog walkers, flexible work schedules and even mental health resources.

Amid today’s “war for talent,” there is a call for help from many working parents, including those with fur babies – and employers should consider offerings that support their unique and changing needs. In many ways, offering pet insurance and pet-related benefits is a win-win for employers and working pet parents – employers retain their employees, and pet parents feel supported and valued.

Katie Blakeley is vice president of pet insurance at MetLife.