Poll: Gays More
Likely to Own Pets

Seven out of 10 LGBT adults own pets, compared with 63% of heterosexual adults, according to a new poll by Harris Interactive. The same poll shows that 90% of gay pet owners say their pet is a member of their family, and two thirds have bought their pets presents for the holidays, according to a press release.

The November poll, in conjunction with Witeck-Combs, surveyed 2,455 U.S. adults, of whom 158 identified as LGBT.

"Americans have well-deserved reputations as animal lovers and pet owners, and our latest findings underscore that GLBT Americans are among the most avid," Wesley Combs, president of Witeck-Combs Communications Inc., said in the statement. "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 trendsetters in animal ownership and loving care."

The poll shows that LGBT pet owners are slightly more likely than heterosexual pet owners to have cats: 63% of LGBT respondents owned a cat, compared with 52% of heterosexuals. However, the inverse was found with dogs: 71% of straight pet owners said they owned a dog, compared with 63% of LGBT pet owners. (The Advocate)