Pet ownership in the US is growing, AVMA data shows, and owner demographics are increasingly diverse: 61% of Hispanic households and nearly 37% of African American households have pets. The veterinary profession, though, has a long way to go in reflecting the diversity of the communities it serves: over 90% of vets in the US are white. As VIN News Service reporter Lisa Wogan notes, there are so few Black veterinarians, “they don’t even register as a percentage of the profession in federal data.” Over the past year they have shared their experience in the field through YouTube videos and Zoom conversations, and individuals and organizations have come together to demand change—not just talk about diversity, equity and inclusion, but action.
Founded in March 2020, Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) is one of many organizations working to make the animal welfare industry more inclusive. This month CARE is partnering with Black DVM Network, the National Association for Black Veterinarians and other animal welfare organizations to start a scholarship fund aimed at breaking down barriers for African American students pursuing careers in veterinary medicine.
The Dr. Jodie G. Blackwell Scholarship Fund, named in honor of the late pioneering veterinarian, has already received support from Maddie’s Fund in the form of an initial $50,000 grant, as well as from New York Giants Cornerback Logan Ryan, founder of the Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation (RARF). As of February 4, CARE had raised over $71,000.
To celebrate Black History Month and the launch of the endowment, CARE is hosting CARE Caucus, a weekly series of panel discussions exploring issues people of color face in animal welfare. This Thursday, February 11, the series continues with the topic “Diverse Workforce Creates Unique Solutions,” featuring CARE president James Evans in conversation with guests Logan Ryan (RARF) and Akisha Townsend Eaton, Senior Pro Bono Manager at the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
All donations made at careawo.org/donate this month will go toward the scholarship fund. Check out the full list of CARE’s upcoming events, register to join the conversation and donate to keep this essential seed fund growing for future students.
