Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), a nonprofit focused on addressing biases in animal welfare, has received a $43,720 grant from PetSmart Charities to fund a pioneering study on racial equity in pet acquisition and adoption. This 12-month grant, running through June 2025, will support CARE’s efforts to assess barriers to pet ownership for families in BIPOC communities and identify solutions to improve access.
The study, set to take place in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami and Minneapolis, will involve BIPOC families sharing their experiences with pet acquisition through focus groups and surveys. CARE’s research will document trusted sources for obtaining pets, highlight the impact of discrimination in shelters and rescues, and explore community-based solutions to enhance access to pet ownership.
“At PetSmart Charities, we believe everyone deserves the love of a pet," said Heidi Marston, director of pet placement initiatives at PetSmart Charities. "That means ensuring that all communities are heard. CARE’s research will begin to close the gap in research centered on BIPOC and marginalized communities and their pets. The absence of these insights not only upholds unchecked biases and prejudice across animal welfare, it means that these communities cannot access the critical resources needed to support their pets. We are proud to support the work CARE is leading. Their meaningful research promises increased understanding and improved results for pets and people.”
Results from the study are expected to inform broader efforts to reduce bias in pet adoption and provide insights that may influence PetSmart Charities’ programs. James Evans, CEO of CARE, noted the importance of the initiative, saying, “Pet ownership should be a joyful experience for everyone, but too often, BIPOC families encounter discrimination throughout the process. With this study, we are working to understand and address the root causes of these disparities, while highlighting solutions that come directly from the communities we’re serving.”
The study's findings will support ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting equitable access to pet adoption and eliminating biases in the process.
Adapted from a press release.
