Seven out of ten (71 percent) lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) adults today say they own pets, compared with 63 percent of heterosexual adults, according to the results of a new national survey.
The same survey also shows that nine in ten (90 percent) LGBT pet owners say their pet is a member of their family and 64 percent also add that they have bought their pet a holiday present.
The new nationwide survey of 2,455 U.S. adults, of whom more than 6 percent, or 158, self identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, was conducted online between Nov. 7 and 13 by Harris Interactive in conjunction with Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc.
“Americans have well deserved reputations as animal lovers and pet owners, and our latest findings underscore that LGBT Americans are among the most avid,”
Wesley Combs, president of Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc., said in a release. “Moreover, the holiday season reminds us of those closest to us, including our devotion to our pets. Smart marketers will recognize that gay households truly are trend-setters in animal ownership and loving care.”
Combs added, “Anyone who knows me and my partner Greg also knows that our Wheaten Terrier Chester is a big part of our family.”
The poll also reports that LGBT pet owners are somewhat more likely than heterosexuals to own a cat. Of the LGBT pet owners, 63 percent said they owned a cat compared to a little more than half (52 percent) of the heterosexual pet owners.
The inverse was found in dog ownership. About seven out of ten (71 percent) of heterosexual pet owners said they owned a dog compared to 63 percent of LGBT pet owners.
