‘It’s Becoming a Privilege to Own a Pet’ – Pet Acquisition Experiences for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino Families in Four U.S. Cities

Sloane M. Hawes; Lexis H. Ly; Diana Beltran; Celeste Morales; Jada Ford; Valli-Laurente Fraser-Celin

doi:10.56771/jsmcah.v5.179

Authors

Sloane M. Hawes Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity, Baltimore, MD, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1531-2659
Lexis H. Ly Independent Researcher, Vancouver, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5384-4205
Diana Beltran Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity, Baltimore, MD, USA
Celeste Morales Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity, Baltimore, MD, USA
Jada Ford Independent Researcher, Boston, MA, USA
Valli-Laurente Fraser-Celin Independent Researcher, Winnipeg, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56771/jsmcah.v5.179

Keywords:

adoption barriers, racial equity, pet ownership, human-animal bond

Abstract

Introduction: Pet ownership has benefits for human and animal well-being. However, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the United States (U.S.) face systemic and institutional barriers to acquiring pets. Current literature on pet acquisition largely overlooks BIPOC families’ experiences. This study aimed to explore BIPOC families’ experiences, challenges, and priorities regarding pet acquisition in four U.S. cities (Atlanta, Miami, and Minneapolis, Philadelphia).

Methods: Focus groups were conducted with 26 pet owners who identify as Black/African American or Hispanic/Latino. Participants were asked about their perceptions of and experiences with various pet acquisition sources (animal shelters and rescues, professional or licensed breeders, and family members, friends, or neighbors) and suggestions to improve the pet acquisition process. The data were analyzed inductively through rapid qualitative analysis.

Results: Participants reported varied experiences across pet acquisition sources. Barriers to shelter and rescue adoption included experiences of judgment, lengthy or intrusive screening processes, and a lack of cultural responsiveness. Some participants described experiences of discrimination from shelters and rescues, particularly related to race and income. Many relied on friends, family, and neighbors to acquire pets due to convenience, trust, and affordability.

Conclusion: The Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino pet owners in this study encountered structural and interpersonal barriers to pet acquisition that influence their source of pet acquisition. The participants’ experiences suggest that managing bias and removing barriers to pet acquisition may expand access to the human–animal bond and decrease animal shelter overpopulation and euthanasia.

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