Figo's Proud Pet Parents

The love of a pet is unconditional. Of this, I am reminded with every eager, early-morning wake-up and genuine attempt to comfort me when I’m low. In what other relationship can you gain absolute adoration and affection in exchange for some belly rubs, daily walks, and a treat or two? Many aspire to the cliche "be the person your dog thinks you are". Let's get real - unless you are truly the worst, to your pet, you already are perfect as is.

In 2007, a survey revealed that pet ownership is 10% more common among LGBTQ+ respondents than in the general population. Overall, 78.5% of gay and lesbian respondents reported keeping a pet. I suspect in large part this is because animals provide a constant source of acceptance that may not be freely given by our human companions. Could it also be because the modern family unit increasingly includes pets, either in place of or alongside human children?

Whatever the reason, the fact remains that within the LGBTQ+ community, the pet parent lifestyle is prominently celebrated. In honor of Pride Month, we asked a few members of our LGBTQ+ Figo fam to tell us what being a pet parent means to them. Take a look:

Bridgett, Director of Marketing & Communications at Figo

"I love my pets so much! They are both rescues, and it has been beautiful to see how they have both blossomed from the animals I brought home to the loving, confident, happy creatures they are today. They remind me to stay in the present and their constant attention and cuddles keep my heart so full. When I think of things I’m grateful for, they’re always at the top of the list."

Patrick, Head of Social Media at Figo

"This is very tough as Pepé has quite literally changed my life. Being a pet parent to Pepé has taught me so much about control, patience, and unconditional love. He’s truly my best friend and sidekick. I don’t think I would have made it through the last year if I didn’t have his big head (and heart) to keep me going every day. It sounds cliché—but since literally rescuing him, he has rescued me."

Lizz, Content Strategist at Figo

"Becoming a pet parent to Greta has been quite an eye-opening experience. She came to me with a lot of fear and reactivity issues that I had never encountered before. Educating myself to become an advocate for her (and strong believer in the R+ training method) taught me just how much work and eventual reward can come from rehabbing a dog with trauma. I’ve learned that pet ownership is not always a walk in the park, but the unconditional love and loyalty I receive from Greta is truly special and worth the effort."

Lizz Caputo is a Content Strategist at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.