In the world of competitive employee benefits packages, pet care has become a valuable perk.

With 70% of U.S. workers being pet parents, pet care costs can take a significant bite out of wages. Balancing work with pet care can also be stressful and adversely impact employee productivity. Now, an increasing number of companies are taking note and offering pet-related benefits and pet-friendly work policies.

These days, employee benefit packages may include pet insurance or stipends to apply toward pet food, supplies or day care costs. And some companies have created pet-friendly environments so employees can bring their fur babies to work. Flexible work hours and increased remote time can also help employees balance work and pet care responsibilities.