Implicit bias in the industry

Implicit bias can affect the way we interact with members of any community. Watch this short video about Samantha and her dog, Emma, who are experiencing homelessness. What implicit biases might arise when you first see them on the sidewalk?  

Pause and reflect.
What are some reasons Samantha is a great companion for Emma? Would you adopt a dog to Samantha? What would you think about her being able to provide veterinary care? Do you consider Samantha a “good” owner/guardian? 

CARE partnered with the Harvard Project on Implicit Bias to look at race in the animal welfare profession. Can you imagine what it might look like for the veterinary profession?

Note: While the study was not exclusive to veterinarians, an array of shelter medicine veterinarians are included within the study as they, too, fall within the Animal Welfare industry. Please click on the image below to view full report.