A shift in animal welfare approaches has centered more attention on the human-animal bond (HAB) between diverse people and other animals (1). Scientific curiosity into the significance of these bonds is led by prestigious academic research institutions and organizations like the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). Although interdisciplinary study into the phenomena has become prevalent, animal bond disparities between historically excluded populations persist. Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) argue for social scientists and animal welfare researchers to probe further into the human-animal relationship critically through race, ethnicity, class, sex, and gender frameworks to reimagine a welcoming and inclusive sector for marginalized communities.

Historically, police brutality within communities of color has been broadly documented. George Floyd's death in May 2020 served as a catalyst that ignited a global call and response for racial equity and justice. Likewise, animal welfare in the United States has responded with countless diversity, equity, and inclusion centered discussions and initiatives. Earlier in 2020 CARE, the country's first Black-led animal welfare organization was founded to prioritize inclusion as a key tool in lifesaving and human and animal well-being. Community participatory research and personal storytelling are key to examining the impact of disparities in animal welfare. Two challenges persist: Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) remain noticeably absent, while perceptions of tokenism, colorism, and texturism slant the national dialogue toward white fragility as opposed to BIPOC-centered solutions to increase inclusion within the sector. Nevertheless, these conversations continue as an essential discourse to healing the national racial divide across all sectors, including animal welfare.