Racial Disparities in Animal Welfare

This study was designed to explore animal welfare policies and procedures and their impact on different communities. Four communities of varying sizes, in different regions of the United States, were included in the study. Despite differences in location and size, significant similarities were found. In all four locations, members of the BIPOC community have less economic wealth, lower rates of home ownership, and less access to a vehicle. These systemic factors, rooted in discriminatory housing policies, coupled with lack of access to veterinary care directly impact pet owners’ ability to adhere to local animal welfare laws – especially those that require all dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered. Animal welfare organizations must recognize the lingering impact of historic and systemic inequities. Recognizing these inequities should inform efforts to best meet the needs of the entire community.