CARE releases documentary on racial bias in pet adoption

Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity has released Brown and Bonded: Against the Odds, a documentary focused on how racism and classism shape access to pet adoption and pet retention. The film also won a $25,000 Saul Zaentz Fellowship as CARE pushes for more inclusive animal welfare systems.

Why it matters: - Brown and Bonded: Against the Odds centers Black and Brown pet owners and adopters who face added barriers in animal welfare systems. - CARE says the film aims to show how bias can keep companion animals from loving homes and keep families from staying together. - The documentary frames adoption access as an equity issue, not just a rescue or shelter issue.

What happened: - Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity released Brown and Bonded: Against the Odds on June 29, 2026. - The feature documentary follows Black and Brown people fighting to keep the pets they love in a system that often treats them as risks instead of families to support. - The film includes former police officer Lesile Miller and Philadelphia businesswoman Felisha Williams, who were rejected from pet adoption a combined 20 times. - The project also received a $25,000 Saul Zaentz Fellowship for development and for elevating underrepresented voices in animal welfare.

The details: - The film uses personal stories and candid conversations to challenge assumptions about who is welcomed to adopt, rescue and advocate for companion animals. - CARE says the documentary highlights contradictions in animal welfare systems that promote adoption while also creating barriers for many prospective adopters. - James Evans, CARE’s founder and the film’s director, said: “Being anything other than white within the United States adds an unnecessary burden to life. Seeking pet companionship doesn’t prevent Black and Brown people from experiencing this hardship, as many assume it would.” - Matthew Beisner, a dog trainer featured in Netflix’s Inside the Mind of Dog, said the film “is an extraordinarily deep and determined film. One that can actually save millions of lives.” - Evans said a 3% increase in pet adoption among Black and Brown communities would provide 3 million pets with loving homes. - CARE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on organizational and personal bias in animal welfare and on encouraging more inclusive pet adoption paths.

Between the lines: - The documentary is part of a broader push to connect animal welfare with diversity, access and inclusion debates. - CARE is trying to reframe adoption from a process driven by risk screening to one that also considers who gets excluded. - The film’s message suggests that bias in shelters can have consequences for both families and animals.

What's next: - CARE is urging the public to watch the film and trailer. - The nonprofit is directing viewers to learn more about its mission on CARE’s website. - CARE is also using the release to keep pressure on animal welfare organizations to examine equity and inclusion practices. - More information