Why inclusivity in veterinary settings matters—for clients, pets, and the medical team

We are living in a world that often feels divided, and finding safe and welcoming spaces matters more than ever. For many individuals in our LGBTQ+ community, our pets are a source of love, comfort, and stability. They give us a sense of peace in a world that doesn’t always embrace who we are. They don’t judge, they don’t question, and they don’t care about labels. They just love us.

That kind of unconditional acceptance is powerful, and it is something we should also experience when we step into a veterinary clinic or hospital. Whether we are there as pet parents or as part of the veterinary team, feeling accepted and respected should be the baseline!

For our LGBTQ+ clients, the experience at a veterinary clinic can be personal, as our pets are part of our chosen families. They have helped us through depression, anxiety, grief, and rejection. They have also grounded many of us with routine and have brought joy during difficult times. For most of us, pets are our “kids.” But when someone walks into a space that feels unwelcoming or judgmental, that support system can suddenly feel compromised.

That’s why inclusive care matters! It is not just about providing excellent medical treatment. It is about being seen, heard, and valued as a whole person. I believe that inclusivity isn’t just for clients, as it starts from the inside, with the veterinary team.

Creating a supportive, respectful environment for staff is just as important as creating one for our clients. LGBTQ+ team members deserve to work in places where we can show up as our full selves, without fear of judgment, bias, or exclusion. When all team members feel safe and accepted, we thrive, collaborate better, communicate more openly, and deliver more compassionate care.

Josh Sanabria, DVM, the author

I want to share some ways in which we can incorporate inclusivity into our daily routine. Start by clearly stating your commitment to inclusivity on your website, intake forms, and/ or employee handbook. Include protections based on gender identity, sexual orientation, race, disability, and more. You can also ask for and use pronouns in client intake forms and staff introductions. Train the team to respectfully correct mistakes and normalize asking pronouns when unsure.

It is important to recognize and respect nontraditional family structures. Make space for partners, roommates, or friends who are important in a pet’s care. Consider regularly training your team on cultural competency, LGBTQ+ terminology, and inclusive communication. Make it part of onboarding and ongoing education. It is also important to make sure everyone knows how to report discrimination and that they will be taken seriously.

I personally love recognizing Pride Month, andyou can also consider recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility and other cultural celebrations. At my hospital in Texas, we even pay attention to small things like rainbow stickers in the lobby and inclusive signage, like all-gender bathrooms.

Consider supporting local LGBTQ+ events, sponsoring Pride activities, or partnering with advocacy groups. Also, be vocal about your clinic’s values! For example, any time I interview a candidate for any open position, I always mention that we have an accepting culture and that any sort of discrimination, including homophobia and transphobia, will not be tolerated.

I believe that a strong veterinary team is built on mutual respect, and that means that we need to embrace our differences. We need to listen to each other’s stories and learn from one another.

It also means calling out discrimination when it happens and committing to growth, even when it is uncomfortable. This is not about just “tolerance,” this is about accepting each other for who we are.

At my clinic, we make inclusivity part of our daily culture. From front desk team members to technicians to doctors, everyone is expected to treat clients and coworkers with kindness, respect, and openness. We live our values in every interaction, and it truly makes a difference. I have seen clients open up and I have seen team members feel more confident and empowered because they know they are supported exactly as they are.

Inclusivity is not about politics or checking a box, and this is very important. It is about people and creating spaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and cared for. That’s the kind of environment where healing happens, relationships grow, and trust is built. We all deserve a team that supports and respects us. No one should have to hide who they are to do the job they love. To all my LGBTQ+ people, stay strong and always stand up for your rights!!

At the end of the day, our pets are here for us in the purest way possible. Let’s honor that bond by building veterinary spaces that reflect the same love, acceptance, and trust they give us so freely.

Josh Sanabria, DVM, is known as “Dr Josh” and grew up in Puerto Rico. Sanabria earned a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus in San Juan, and a doctorate degree from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbia. He is the owner of Isla Veterinary Boutique Hospital in Addison, Texas, where he provides medical consultations in Spanish and English.