A recent review explores the social support pets can provide to LGBTQ+ people. – Psychology Today
The Role of Pets in Supporting LGBTQ+ Well-being and Sustainable Development Goals

Pets play a significant role in the lives of their guardians and are widely recognized for contributing to human well-being, a phenomenon often referred to as “the pet effect.” This effect is particularly relevant for LGBTQ+ individuals, as pets provide crucial social support that can mitigate the impacts of prejudice and stress. A recent literature review published in the Journal of Homosexuality highlights the unique benefits and challenges of pet ownership within the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing connections to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to health, well-being, equality, and inclusive communities.
Pet Ownership Among LGBTQ+ Individuals
In the United States, approximately 65% of LGBTQ+ people own pets, a rate comparable to the general population. Pets are often considered family members, yet research focusing on the LGBTQ+ community’s experiences with pet ownership remains limited. The review analyzed 18 studies, primarily involving young adults, but also including older adults and individuals across all age groups.
Social Support, Acceptance, and Resilience
Addressing Prejudice and Stress
LGBTQ+ individuals frequently face societal prejudice and stress due to prevailing norms favoring heterosexual and cisgender identities. This discrimination increases risks of adverse physical and mental health outcomes, including self-harm and suicide, particularly among young adults. Pets contribute to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by offering unconditional acceptance and emotional support, which helps LGBTQ+ people accept their identities and improve self-esteem.
Benefits for Young Adults
- Pets provide a sense of purpose and belonging.
- They facilitate self-acceptance and emotional stability.
- Support during difficult circumstances such as housing insecurity and intimate partner violence.
Enhancing Social Interactions
Pets also promote social inclusion (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities) by serving as conversation starters that can expand social networks. Older LGBTQ+ adults with pets report higher levels of social support, which contributes to community resilience and cohesion (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Building Resilience
Pets help LGBTQ+ individuals cope with everyday challenges and increase resilience (SDG 3). Some individuals cite their pets as motivation to leave abusive relationships. However, research findings vary, with qualitative studies supporting this effect and some quantitative studies showing mixed results.
Challenges and Discrimination Faced by LGBTQ+ Pet Owners
Discrimination in Veterinary and Housing Services
LGBTQ+ pet owners sometimes encounter discrimination, such as biased treatment at veterinary clinics and difficulties securing pet-friendly housing. These challenges relate directly to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Financial and Caregiving Burdens
- Financial costs associated with pet care can be significant.
- Caregiver burden increases when pets are ill.
- Fear of pet-related violence or lack of housing options may hinder leaving abusive situations.
Impact on Health Care Decisions
Some LGBTQ+ individuals avoid seeking medical care or hospitalization due to concerns about who will care for their pets, highlighting the need for inclusive support systems (SDG 3 and SDG 10).
Unique Aspects of the LGBTQ+ Person-Animal Bond
Identity and Self-Esteem
Pets uniquely support LGBTQ+ individuals by enhancing self-esteem and aiding acceptance of sexual and gender identities (SDG 5: Gender Equality). They also help cope with daily microaggressions and prejudice, fostering mental health and social inclusion.
Diversity Within the LGBTQ+ Community
The LGBTQ+ community is diverse, and the benefits and challenges of pet ownership may vary among different groups. The review calls for further research, particularly focusing on gender minorities, to better understand these dynamics and support SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Recommendations for Inclusive Services
Health and Veterinary Care
To align with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), services for LGBTQ+ people with pets must become more inclusive by:
- Recognizing pets as family members and valuing the human-animal bond.
- Incorporating training for health professionals on supporting this bond.
- Implementing strategies in veterinary clinics to welcome LGBTQ+ clients, such as:
- Creating a welcoming environment for same-sex couples.
- Avoiding microaggressions.
- Displaying symbols of LGBTQ+ inclusivity, such as pride flags.
Building Inclusive Communities
Improving understanding of the LGBTQ+ person-animal bond will enable organizations to provide services that are inclusive and non-discriminatory, supporting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Conclusion
Pets serve as vital sources of social support and resilience for LGBTQ+ individuals, contributing to multiple Sustainable Development Goals by promoting health, equality, and inclusive communities. Addressing the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ pet owners through inclusive policies and practices is essential for advancing these global goals.
1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- The article discusses mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including stress, self-harm, and suicide risks, and how pets provide social support and improve well-being.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- The article highlights issues related to LGBTQ+ identities, acceptance, and discrimination, which relate to achieving gender equality and empowering all genders and sexual orientations.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- The article addresses prejudice, discrimination, and social exclusion experienced by LGBTQ+ people, as well as barriers to housing and healthcare related to pet ownership.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Challenges in accessing pet-friendly housing and inclusive community services for LGBTQ+ people with pets are discussed.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- The article touches on reducing discrimination and promoting inclusive services, which align with building inclusive institutions and reducing violence and discrimination.
2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and promotion of mental health and well-being.
- Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including mental health support.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere, extended here to include LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels, relevant to empowerment and acceptance of diverse identities.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including eliminating discriminatory laws and practices.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
- Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress
- Mental Health and Well-being Indicators
- Prevalence rates of self-harm and suicide among LGBTQ+ populations.
- Levels of reported stress and anxiety in LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Measures of social support and resilience, such as self-reported happiness and coping ability related to pet ownership.
- Discrimination and Inequality Indicators
- Incidence of discrimination reported by LGBTQ+ people in accessing veterinary and housing services.
- Access to pet-friendly housing for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Reports of microaggressions and inclusive practices in healthcare and veterinary services.
- Social Inclusion and Community Support Indicators
- Levels of social interaction and support networks among LGBTQ+ pet owners.
- Number of health professionals and veterinary clinics trained in LGBTQ+ inclusivity and human-animal bond support.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being |
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SDG 5: Gender Equality |
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities |
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions |
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Source: psychologytoday.com