BOULDER, COLO. — Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) kicked off its 30-Day and 1,000 Actions Challenge yesterday, Sept. 1, to support pet food, treat and product companies in their endeavors to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI) pet industry.

Already, four pet industry companies are “leading the charge” by taking actions toward DEI, PSC said: M-Fiber, Birdstone Technologies, West Paw and Stella & Chewy’s. These companies have taken the most actions so far.

PSC pointed to diversity in pet ownership, starkly contrasted with a lack of diversity in the pet product industry. For example, 69% of pet owners in the United States in 2017 were Hispanic, and 44% were African American. This compares to an animal food manufacturing industry that is 84.5% white and just 30% female.

These disparities are also reflected as income inequality for this industry and countless others in the United States. These are among the many reasons why PSC has initiated this challenge.

“Industry transformation starts with each of us doing our part,” the organization states on its website.

The 30-Day and 1,000 Actions Challenge will run throughout September. Pet industry companies of all sizes and concentrations are encouraged to participate, including members of the veterinary community.

"We are really excited to participate in the Pet Sustainability Coalition’s 30-Day Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenge to take 1,000 short-actions that lay the groundwork for long-term improvement,” commented Isaac Langleben, chief executive officer of Open Farm, whose quote is featured on PSC’s website. “As Open Farm continues along our own journey to become a more diverse and inclusive organization, it is important to continue to champion the change we wish to seek within our own industry and communities. We believe this initiative is a great way to engage our entire organization to recognize the impact that each individual action we take can have in support of this pursuit."

PSC has partnered with North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), which has invited more than 120,000 veterinary professionals to participate in the challenge.

“NAVC is committed to supporting diversity, equality and inclusion and we are proud to join the Pet Sustainability Coalition’s 1000 Action Challenge, alongside other leaders in the pet care community,” said Gene O’Neill, chief executive officer of NAVC. “Diversity is foundational to the veterinary community. We are taking steps within the NAVC to embrace real change and actively reaching out across our platforms to encourage all veterinary professionals to take action!”

PSC has partnered with WeSpire to provide actionable resources to pet industry companies so they may earn points toward the challenge.

Read more about PSC’s 30-Day and 1,000 Actions Challenge on the Pet Sustainability Coalition website.

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