Should Poor People Have Pets?
My recent post on the fees that vets charge has generated some interesting comments. One theme that has been mentioned goes like this: Owning a pet is a responsibility. If one cannot afford the expenses of having a pet, one should not have a pet.
I confess that part of me wants to agree with that line of thought. I strongly feel that every pet deserves the very best possible care, including love, food, shelter, and medical treatment. And I certainly believe that vets have a right to charge fees for our services.
But I have to wonder about people who simply don’t have the resources to care for a pet in the best possible manner. Shouldn’t they be able to experience the joy, love and companionship that a pet provides?
A couple of weeks ago I spent a day volunteering with an organization in San Francisco that provides free veterinary services to homeless people. I treated many pets that day, and they all had several things in common. None of them was living under the best possible conditions. Nonetheless, every one of them was loved and adored by the person caring for them. The love was clearly reciprocated. Every client I served was doing his or her very best to do right by his or her pet–even though most were falling short of the goal by a long shot.
For many of my clients that day it was clear that their pet was their only truly reliable friend.
The pets I treated that day may in theory have been better off if different people were caring for them. But I believe that, as long as they do their best to care for their animals, people have a right to own pets regardless of their life circumstances.
Photo: Shayan Sanyal. License: CC
You have questions. 
yes! agreed! But thank goodness for organizations like the one you were working with. Because when you start drawing lines like that, it gets a little dicey:
I’m not “poor” but I cannot afford to feed my dog the top of the line pet foods that are $50+ for a 25 pound bag. I do the best I can with the best I can afford. Does that mean I shouldn’t be able to own my dog because he may be even healthier on a top brand food? Or raw diet, or whathaveyou?
One who follows the logical conclusion to such a question might also deduce that poor humans should not be alowed to live because they can’t always take good care of themselves. These poor pets do the best they can in the situations they are in just like poor people do. And unless wealthy people are willing to adopt all the poor pets in the world so that they can have a better life (which isn’t going to happen) then this is a futile discussion… What then to we do with all the poor pets who don’t have anyone to care for them except poor people?
For some poor people their pets are the only love they have. Probably millions of pets of the poor have lived better lives than those of the rich. The poor don’t have the medical care, but tons of love living in close contact with their owners, The rich get all the medical care, but usually confined to a kennel for many hours while the rich frolic and play at all sorts of other places. I vote to let the poor have pets, they don’t have much else.
I sympathize with the gut reaction that drives animal lovers to make the statement that only people that can afford animals should have them. But my question is this: WHO SETS THE STANDARD? Is the elderly gentleman on a fixed income not good enough to love a pet and give the animal a home just because he cannot afford additional care beyond the most basic shelter and food? Should a child from a modest income be denied a pony because the family cannot afford to build a stable? Do those well fed and much loved animals look any less content than the pampered companions of more wealthy pet owners? If an animal is truly diseased and suffering in pain, should it not be humanely destroyed and replaced with a healthier individual? Animal lovers need to stop reacting with emotion and think logically for a moment. It breaks my heart to see so many youthful and healthy animals destroyed for lack of homes. Well meaning rescues have restrictive policies that prevent many caring individuals from adopting a pet. Adoption fees are often beyond modest means. We need to quit judging animals by human standards. A happy and beloved dog does not know if he has rhinestones in his collar.
Public pressure is placed on pet owners to spend every available dime they have to treat a pet’s medical condition, often creating a hardship on the family. I read of pet owners going into debt or selling their home or vehicle to pay for a veterinary procedure. What I find appalling is that the public calls these individuals heroes. Stop for a moment and think of the number of animals that could have been helped by the thousands of dollars spent on that one pet, the child that could have been sent to college and the loss to the financial security of that individual in later years. Even more shocking is the suffering that the poor animal goes through in the process. Any vet will admit that most animals do not appreciate or understand medical treatment. Is it not selfish of a pet owner to force treatment on a terminal or handicapped pet when the only outcome is a few more days of suffering for the poor animal? I think it is far more compassionate to humanely end that animal’s life without costly, prolonged treatment. Instead, why not use the money that would have been spent for treatment to adopt and care for a younger, healthy pet that might otherwise be killed for lack of a home? How can we justify killing a healthy animal because we lack homes and funds to care for it while at the same time we are spending tremendous amounts treating an infirm one? Let us lower our human standards and by doing so, let us create homes for currently homeless pets. It is said that the shelters are full of unwanted pets, but perhaps they are wanted but the homes offered do not meet their standards. A dog who is kept by a homeless man does not know he is homeless-only that he is loved!
I am in my late 50s just lost my job due to the economy and I live alone except for my cats, they really do help with my depression, if it wasn’t for them I just wouldn’t get up. Am I supposed to give them up because I don’t have much money anymore.
Thank you for this post. I completely agree! People who have lower incomes can be responsible and loving pet owners too. I think it’s up to each person to decide if a pet is right for him or her. How can we judge for anyone but ourselves?
If you don’t mind sharing, what’s the name of the organization you volunteered at in SF? I don’t have any veterinary experience but I would love to help out sometime.
Why should someone’s income deny them the joy of animal companionship? I think those of us in the rescue community need to let go of our prejudices and snobbery about what a “good” home is, or what “proper” care of a dog or cat is.
We had a woman in our adoption center who said her sister “abused” her dogs because she didn’t let them sleep in bed with her or allow them to get on the furniture! It’s truly all relative.
Just because you don’t take care of your dog in the same way I do, can’t we both be “good” pet parents? My in-laws spent more than $5,000 treating a terminally ill dog that I believe should have been humanely euthanized. Who’s right or wrong?
That said, I’m not a huge fan of welfare, and I think people should know what they’re getting into. Lots of people have more kids than they can afford to take care of. Is it our responsibility to take care of (or pay to take care of) those children when their parents cannot? Not really, but we do–through our tax dollars.
Dogs and cats have survived for thousands of years without vaccinations, Tempurpedic beds, regular baths, flea/tick preventive and microchips. As long as dogs and cats continue to die in appalling numbers (as they are in shelters every day across this country) then I think those of us in rescue and shelters need to loosen up a bit on adoption criteria. Not that ANY home is better than death (some homes are truly terrible). But most homes are better than being euthanized in a shelter. People are all different, and we need to give everyone a chance. If I didn’t have the love of my dogs, I would definitely be “poor” in many senses of the word. I wouldn’t ever presume to deny that to someone else based on my own arbitrary criteria.
the same argument could be made for people! yes poor people should be allowed to have pets! Thank goodness for vets like you who are caring and understanding…who volunteer time and services…and for all the low-cost shot/vax clinics on Saturdays and Sundays…
Honestly if those homeless people were bringing their pets to you then I think that goes to show their devotion and they deserve to keep and love their pets. Even if some pets don’t get the best vet care, I still believe that the love and companionship they give and RECEIVE is worthwhile and gives them a fulfilled life.
It’s not as if we have income requirements for people to have children, why should we limit pets ownership to the rich?
And on a side note, while taking my dog to obedience school this past fall, I actually had a homeless man and his dog in my class. The man had saved up to pay the fee to take the class and showed up for almost every session. He and his dog would take the bus across town to attend. You could tell from day one that there was not a single person in that class that was more emotionally connected to their pet.
This is not a perfect world. Animals are dying in the streets and euthanized in shelters or living in cages after being discarded by humans. Or worse yet torchered and abused by some crual humans who have no compasion or conscience. To take these unwanted animals in and give them shelter, food, kindness and love will extend their life and make it a a much better existance than they would have had otherwise.
My mother logically and financially should not have a pet. She is mentally ill and is disabled because of it. Having the small dog that she does helps her get through those horrible times. So, while, I agree, logically & financially, she shouldn’t have a pet, I also think it’s great that she does have a companion who loves her unconditionally. Unfortunately, with my mother’s condition, it is quite difficult to be close to her. Her having a dog also gives me an opportunity to have something to talk about with her. We talk about dog food, getting neutered, no puppies, the fun her dog is. I just sent a sweater and coat for her pup since they couldn’t afford to get these and they’re in upstate NY with some frigid weather. Anyway, I will help my mother when it’s appropriate to help her keep her dog and keep her dog well. It helps me have a relationship with my mom and helps my mom through the low points…which are quite frequent this time of the year for her, when I am unable. Her dog doesn’t have to be an official, certified ‘therapy’ dog for me to understand the therapy this pet provides to my mom.
Now, if my mom went and got another pet…I’d say something about it. I send her things and money to help her get by and I will send things for her 1 dog, but I can’t afford to support multiple pets for her.
I firmly believe vets should charge a reasonable fee for services provided and many are compassionate. I have had 4 cats and 1 rabbit and struggle financially. However, all of my pets were orginally strays outside without food, shelter and in 2 instances would have died without intervention. I cannot afford expensive treatments but all my pets have benefitted from a loving home, food and shelter, immunizations and at least some health care. Sometimes there is a bigger picture. However, a neglected cat would be a different story. Many vets are willing to re-locate a pet when necessary.
Well I have to say that people should think of what it will take to care for a pet (or child )before having one it is not the cost of getting the pet but the long term cost. I am personally pet poor I am now down to 8 dogs 6 cats and 3 horses. I take in the pets that come into our hospital and are headed for the freezer with fixable problems. some have ongoing medical problems and some dont and when they are ready I find them a home some of the harder ones to place stay with me. Not one goes with out heart worm prevention or food and water. some are in agility and other functions that give them a purpose, Yes it cost a lot of $ and I do with out a lot of things for myself to provide for them. I was this way with my children as well. So for “poor people” you can seek some finical aid from some of your local shelters and organizations and find some of the low cost clinics or what ever it takes. Then you must also join in the fight to SPAY AND NEUTER and NO MORE DESIGNER MIX BREEDS, you can get those same dogs from the shelters. so just use your head and be wise with what you feed and what shots your pet truly needs and plan for such things. I believe in pets they make me breath…
Kim, the organization is called vet-SOS (short for street outreach services). It is a part of Project Homeless Connect.
Keli, you make a great point about the gentleman in your obedience class. He clearly saved up and denied himself many other possible luxuries (or, more likely, necessities) to do what was best for his pet. I have heard of poverty-stricken people who would go hungry themselves in order to afford good food for their pets.
Foster Mom, I appreciate your point that often pets make good companions for people who have trouble relating to or getting along with other people.
I once treated a dog belonging to a chronically homeless gentleman. The dog was terminally ill. In the end we had to put the dog to sleep because it was the kindest thing for the dog. The gentleman told me, between sobs, that the dog had been his best and only friend for the 12 years they had lived together on the streets. It was clear that the dog had provided the only stable and reliable relationship in that gentleman’s life during that time.
Would I vote to take pets away from such people? Never.
We’ve heard it said that the canine companions of homeless people are some of the happiest dogs because they are with their people 24/7 and get to lead the nomadic life they instinctually know.
Now are they the healthiest? Different story together. Thanks for the article. Good question and commentary.
Everyone–no matter what their status in life is–should have a pet they can rely on. Unconditional love given by our furry friends may be the only true love one receives. Study after study reveals pet owners are happier, healthier and live longer than non-pet owners. No matter rich or poor, all true animal lovers wil always do what they can for their pets. It doesn’t matter the price of the pet food, all that matters is that homeless/shelter pets are given the best one can afford to give them. Growing up, all my dog got to eat was left-over spaghetti or pasta(we are Italian). He lived to be 15!! Most areas have low cost spay/neuter centers and vaccination clinics–subsidized by non-profit organizations. We just have to get the word out more to those in need. Not enough media coverage gets to these sources–it’s about time to change that! Remember, we are not the ones to judge–God loves all his creatures!
Whar right does someone have to say that poor people sgouldn’t have pets,if they can’t take care of them?
Look at the other side,should poor people have children,if they can’ttake care of them? Just take the animals and the pets and fluhem done the stool,put them in adukpster,throw them out a car window.ALLOF THEM ARE GODS CREATION.Statments like that make me sick.People don’t understad how to love,animals will love unconditionaly. Even poor people need compaionship,whether human annimal or even a plant.
Boy,
I think Dr. Barchas is an instigator in some of these blogs…lol.
I am about 3 steps above homelessness myself and, in fact, have
been homeless. I would not have considered owning an animal while
in that state; I knew only a few who even tried. I am not quite sure
where the pets would have been sheltered(?) I recall one dog that was kept in a roaming vehicle. I think the mortgage crisis has enlightened us all about pet ownership and responsibility as many animal shelters have been flooded with pets no longer able to be cared for.
These are insights I have seen from both sides of the coin. I waited
for over 10 years to adopt an animal to have. The main reason was the costs. Still, I was told by a friend who made more funds than myself that my vet was “too expensive” for her. I actually considered his rates reasonable and fair market. At any rate I think the issue is not so much how much one earns but rather to what degree they are willing to provide for an animal. I have seen animals from affluent neighbors abandoned when an owner moves because it is not convenient for them to move the pet. ( In addition I have seen poor children taken better care of by their parents than children of greater means). It comes down to whether the animal is loved or wanted.
well, judge not lest YOU be judged! I will be 72 this January and have the most modest of pensions. I grew up on a ranch/farm/dairy! Encountered all kinds of health problems! We didn’t call the vet for every little thing. He was way to busy and would often hand us the medicine when we went to town. Most of us were “pros” at giving shots, drenches, etc. I have two companion cats. They bounce me back and forth between them and make sure I get up in the morning! I also have Lupus and some days it’s all I can do to handle my “chores”! I squeeze out enough for birdseed and food for the feral or abandoned cats. I live in a four building complex with 18 units per building! So, I MUST go out at least once per day! Nobody goes hungry on MY watch! I can’t run to the vet for every little thing! One of my cats I “rescued” from a pet store! They had forgotten they had her! I blackmailed them and got her for $10. I have to watch her…she chews on plastic! She also has Uterine cancer and I will not let them cut her and thusly, she cannot be neutered. I have walked the Cancer trail with human friends and animal friends. She will tell ME when she is ready to go. I have put aside enough for a peaceful ending. I will cause her no extra pain nor will I short her even one sunrise. I have also made arrangements for them should I go before they do. not to worry! God is in no hurry to have me arrive. HE knows I have a long list of things I want to discuss with him! The Devil is afraid I’ll take over so he is in no hurry! LOL Happy New Year, all! Just do what you can in your sphere and and don’t be thinking up ways to control others.
The original comment just made me cry.I have a six year old german shepard who is my best friend. In 2008 my son joined the army, my livein boyfriend of ten years left, I injured my back and neck, and I lost my job. Now I’m facing having to move because of financial difficulty.Everywhere I can afford won’t let me have my dog because of her size which I think is unfair!!!! I used all my Christmas money to get my dog emergency surgery because I love her very much. I need and love her and it’s killing me that I may have to give her up.Most poor people like me will care and feed their bestfriend before themselves.
Nope, poor people should not have pets we should just take them all out and shoot them. The poor people not the pets. What a STUPID comment to make! Love is not bought with dollars and animals know more about giving love than most people. To everyone who feels they need to justify having and loving an animal and not lots of money shame on you. Tell them all to go to you know where. Know that while people will kick you to the curb in a heartbeat your pet will never ask to see your tax return to love you.
I was so pleased when I saw you had add. this subject. This really brings me to tears. I’m 62 & have had pets most of my life. Have had the funds & have not had them. I would have been crushed if when things got bad off I’d been told I couldn’t have my pets. After God they are my confidants! They give me more love & companionship than any human. No one really knows when things are going to take a turn down, financially. Giving a pet your love & doing the best to take care of them is better than taking them to a shelter that is going to put them to sleep if they don’t find them a home. Sometimes you can’t do as much for them as other times, but you just have to do your best. We have now found ourselves w/9 cats. We didn’t ask for them they came to us, we do our best to provide for them. We’ve tried to find the ones that aren’t feral homes. Our finances aren’t very good, like most of the U.S. right now, but the shelters are over run. We all just have to do the best we can.
Information on the “Vet SOS” program can be found on their very informative web site at:
http://www.vetsos.org/
The web site lists way to Donate and a Volunteer Application.
Hats Off to the Volunteer Vets and their Volunteer Assistants!!
So many of your posts moved me to tears! My heart goes out to you, as well as my joy for the love you give and receive from/to your animals.
I am another person of limited means who lives alone and puts my pets first, as without them I would not get through the day! I have paid extra security deposits for awful apartments to keep my cats before I bought my house and would live in my car with my 2 cats and 2 dogs (and one of them is huge!) before I gave them up! They get decent food, immunizations, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, and necessary reasonable emergency care, but most of all they are warm and truly loved. All are rescue/pound babies, and might not have a life. Personally, I wouldn’t want any expensive prolonged medical treatment, like chemo, that only shortly delayed the inevitable, so I wouldn’t do it to my pets; but for something reasonable, like a broken leg, I would starve to pay for it, and have!
A good vet who really cares about the animals, will share these same sentiments. My Vet charges a bit more than some in the area, but she really cares about the animals, and never pushed for or made me feel neglectful for not spending thousands of dollars to treat my 22 year old cats cancer. In fact, she recommended against it as not being fair to the cat! My old Vet tried to make me feel badly for not spending a fortune to treat it!
Thank you Dr. B. for your wonderful blog! Happy New Year to all!
Where Quite Poor !
But my 3yr Border Collie gets the best Dog Food !
And even though shes very very long haired she loves wearing her £35 coat !
We just love her so much , and want her to have a nice Life !
She gets MASSIVE field walks daily !
I think dont have one if you cant afford the vet fees and food !
Its Cruel !
it happen in my country, it’s not a must, but the farmer on the feet of a mountain called Merapi will ask their dog to keep their house when the owner go to their farm. They have a sub standard economy on their life, in the other hands they need their house kept by their dogs. And the dogs eat anything they could eat. Sometimes the local animal welfare NGO helps by feeding them a few dog food from donation…
People who say that only those who can afford a pet should have them. Isn’t that the way of the world now? If you can’t totally afford something, then you are not worthy? Shame on you. That is like telling someone that if they cannot afford to buy food for themselves, then they shouldn’t eat. Please, get a life. There are people of all stations on this earth. Obviously, this person/persons happens to think that they are special in some way because they have the resources to afford what they want. Fact: You bring nothing into this world, you take nothing out, no matter who you are. Get over yourself.
I am a retired senior citizen. I had 5 cats and 2 dogs when I retired. Due to low income and the current economy, a tornado that hit my house and several surgeries since I retired, I am absolutely broke! My income is less than $1,000, but living expenses (not including food and emergencies) is $1200 and going up! When I was working and before these things HIT ME, I was able to afford my furbabies. I cannot “get rid of them” now any more than I could abandon a child! They are my family. Vets in this area refuse to even see a pet unless the $$$ are paid that same day! It isn’t my pets fault or mine, that I am poor. I would pay on payments but vets do not allow that! They want immediate payment even if its hundreds of dollars! The week before Christmas, one of my beloved furbabies died in my arms. I had paid over $300. for medical treatment for him but it was too late. (I paid with money for my own medicine). There should be assistance and understanding instead of “poor people shouldn’t have pets!”
For over 4,000 years this has not been an intelligent assertion.
Why now? The animals are lucky to have owners who love them and don’t dump them in the woods to die or be killed by the city! Everyone and every pet deserves and has a right to be loved by another living thing or being. I thank God every day for all of my pets, past and present and despise those who think they have a right to tell me what I can and can’t love!!! Since when did they become God???
PS:
Even when we have been out of work and couldn’t afford vet services my pets remain as healthy as the rest of my family. I learned how to make them homemade treats and dinners and the only two times my pets died from anything other than VERY old age was from brain cancer and accidental poisoning. I even learned how to cut their hair, brush their teeth, trim their nails and clean their ears. Plus cheap garlic in their food controls fleas and ticks. Love of your pet can go a long way to their health and the health of other pets if you share what you have learned with others,
God Bless and hug a pet!!
I am thankful for those types of organizations that do provide services like that for the poor. I donate to many organzations that I can afford to and that is a worthy organzation & I commend you for doing that. I do feel that pets provide assistance for the poor in therapy and stress reduction. I for one know how important pets are in the lives of being poor and to have something bring you back up when you are on the streets is priceless.
I don’t feel that forbidding poor people from having pets is a logical solution. I do feel that it is very cold hearted. That would be like saying poor people shouldn’t have children. It’s very cold to feel that way because pets help all kinds of people and simply being poor should not be an impediment to a quality of life. Many animals are far better off than being humanely euthanized in over crowded shelters. At least they are getting love and providing unconditional love to their owners.
Poor people should not have pets because they don’t have enough money to pay vet bills, get them food or water, or do much with them. A pet such as a fish would be fine, but when people can’t pay for their pets, they either end up in shelters, or are set free and die.
The only people who should not have pets are those who don’t intend to give them the love and care that they deserve, regardless of the size of their bank account. There are plenty of dogs owned by people in large, fancy houses who are ignored, forgotten and abused. The rich person who ignores their pet’s needs is far worse in my opinion than the poor person who tries to do all they can for their pet. That being said…
I grew up poor. My family would often get a pet because my parents thought we wanted one and could afford it. Time after time, those pets had to be given up. Why? Because my parents didn’t think about anything long-term. They didn’t think about who would take the dog for walks after we went back to school from summer vacation or what would happen to the dog when we had to move from a house to an apartment with a dog that hadn’t been trained not to bark. Every single dog they got was failed by them because they never thought anything through…
Animals don’t get to choose who cares for them, don’t get to choose where they live or how. Rich or poor is not the issue – it’s all about the level of commitment to the animal.
Having a pet is strictly emotional – it is like asking a person you are too poor to have kids.
I am poor, social security only, Molly is my pet, by owning a dog, she takes priority, and I accept the responsibility that comes with that ownership, she gets a complete physical every April and all necessary shots, I must do without some things when she needs medical care, In Molly’s case she is a member of my family. My most faithful friend, I will do without for any friend. My Molly has better care than a lot of rich people give their pets, because in my opinion the rich care about important things like buying an expensive dog and then hiring someone to walk them to show off what they own.
Molly is very very important to me. She can even afford her own website [ ourbiz.us ] but I am a veteran and the VA takes care of my medical bills. If I had to pay that, I would not be able to have a dog, another dog that is.
I think it is very selfish for people to think that poor people should not have pets. In my experience, poor people more likely take better care of their pets than those with money. People who are true animal lovers will do anything to give the best care they can to their pets, as they are more than likely considered to be a part of their family. The only people that should NOT have pets are the abusers, the people who have a pet as a novelty item, prestige or for illegal competition! Vetrenaian care, neuter/spaying, yearly shots and the proper diet does not cost anymore than some people’s bad habits such as drinking, smoking, gambling. etc. Poor people, wealthy people. HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT!! It’s the individual person and the reason that they choose to have a pet is what matters. And in this day and age…….really, what defines “poor”……….
I have three cats that provide me with the love and affection that no human ever did. I fall below the proverty line and sometimes my cats eat if I dont because they are loyal,loving and true. There is no organization of vets that get out and help the lower income people and their pets where I live and I asked a vet why one time and he said that the poor dont deserve pets. I love my pet just as much as the as that rich woman that buys clothes for her cats and maybe I love mine more cause I dont declaw them my cats. My cats keep my house and yard rodent free and provide many hours of pleasure
Are these animals belonging to the so-called better class, pets or status symbols? I live rurally so I get to see the effects of the economy in my neck of the woods, they drive SUVs, JEEPS, ESCALADES,VANS, round the corner from my yard and suddenly here appears POOPSIE…CHEYENNE…RUFUS..or what evername they gave them, I usually try to find a home for the dumped animal and most times I am lucky. Yet the lost to my livestock through the animal’s ignorance is not funny. My animals are raised with my livestock, which consist usually of an animal no one wanted due to illness or injury. I treat these animals in conjunction with my vet or the local animal college.So don’t be eager to decide by appearance who can or cannot afford an animal … Drives a 95 Chevy truck ., on a fixed iincome, and helping to raise grandchildren and care and feed a 88 yr. old mother, who has finally in her life seen the love first -hand of a pet. OH, BY THE WAY I AM CONSIDERED POOR BY OTHERS.
I live in gov. apts and get foodstamps to feed me and my son and I am disabled. I get help with the care of my dog. She has insurance that helps with my vet bill and she eats well. Thats just like saying that since I am a poor person I shouldnt have any children.
I don’t think its that poor people shouldn’t have pets as they can still love them and look after them. Rich or poor you’ve got to be willing to get vet care for your pets as needed. Plenty of poor people go without or figure out how to afford pet insurance to make sure their pets get what they need. What irritates me is when people don’t get their pets fixed (which you can do for free or minimal cost just about anywhere) or let their pets suffer without medical treatment when there is obviously something wrong. I don’t think thats because they are poor, they’re just idiots or don’t care about animals and money isn’t going to fix that.
I am what most would consider “poor” I live on disability and am lucky if I can pay my bills on time. But I own two cats, and they get everything they need before I do. I very much agree that having an animal is a responsibility, and should be thought through before doing so. I knew when rescuing these cats that I would have to sacrifice some things for myself, to give them everything they need. They are spoiled rotten if anything, to be honest. But I do struggle to take them to the vets when they need it, but they do go. I think it comes down to “Is this animal having the quality of life that it deserves?” But there are also so many poor animals on the street that have no one providing anything for them and have to struggle to live. So, I can see both sides. And you have to keep in mind that there are a huge amount of rich people that treat their animals like they are wardrobe accesories. While they might be having their basic needs met, they are probably not emotionally nurtured. As long as the owner loves the animal, they will do their best by them. And that is all you can ask.
Money does not equal responsibility or proper pet care.
Consider this: there are those like Michael Vicks, who spent millions before he went to jail on personal toys and fun. Yet, he killed his dogs for fun and entertainment. And fighting dogs do not get proper vet care. Their owners give them steroids and antibiotics themselves if they consider the animal ‘worth it’.
There are animals starving in the homes of people who spent thousands to buy their pets from breeders, but don’t care to even give them food, or medical care, because they think there are ‘better things they can do with the money’, like buying a new gadget for themselves.
Yes, vet care costs money and caring for a pet is a big responsibility. And some animals may not get top notch vet care. But their basic needs, food, water, shelter and love, are provided and I think that covers the bigger part of responsibility.
As for the low or no income folks that have to resort to free clinics: hey, THEY do make the effort to take their pet to the vet to get the best care that they can get. Their companions are their family, their friends, sometimes the only living thing that will give them the respect and love they need themselves to carry on.
A big thank you, Dr. Barchas, and to all the vets and volunteers that make free clinics and free services available to help the less fortunate folks to give their little companions medical care.
If only “wealth” were measured by “love” and not a monetary standard.
Any animal who is frequently shown love, kindess, affection and attention is an animal who is wealthy. That animal may be the companion of someone who by monetary standards is “rich” or is “poor”
We tell our animals each:
“You are our cat and we are your people – and we to each other belong. Not in any *owned* way, but in a way that’s bound purely by love. It is not we who improved your life, but you who have improved ours.”
I can’t believe the line between “poor” and “rich” has now included the family dog! We do the best we can with what we’ve got! I love my pets and couldn’t imagine life them. If a veterinarian is ‘in it for the money’, they need to find another vocation. I ‘m fortunate that my vet charges what I can afford … she says she got her education and founded her clinic for a love of the animals, not because she wants to get rich. I know there are groups such as “Actors and Others for Animals” that help with funding for spay and neutering. If only I could, I’d set up a grants program for “poor people” to help care for their beloved dogs and cats. Or, ta da! what if other vets decide to charge what the client can pay? What a concept!
CORRECTION: My comment above should read “I love my pets and couln’t imagine life without them …
There are so many degrees of poverty and willingness to invest time/money/love in a pet. Many people have absolutely no business having a pet or a child but unfortunately they do and then there are those that have enough sense or capacity to raise the pet/child well even in the most dire of circumstances.
There should be a law against using your unleashed dog to help get money at busy intersections. It breaks my heart to see an underfed dog trained to wave at cars.
Unfortunately, we don’t live in the best possible world. There are animals and humans who don’t get the best possible care. But surely a life with someone who loves you, and does their best is better than no life at all. There is an assumption that if the animals were with someone else they might be better off, but so many animals end up euthanased because there is a scarcity of homes. It is wonderful that you are helping those who can’t always help themselves or those they love. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all animals and children were only born into loving, forever homes. Perhaps a pipe dream, but there are those who work towards it.
4-5 million homeless animals are killed annually in the U.S., many of them healthy. I would rather see a pet with less-than-ideal dental care living out its life with a loving person who lives in a car than see the pet dead and the human still living in a car but with one less friend.
If I truly didn’t have the money or the time needed to take care of a pet responsibly I would not have gotten one. Until we were ready to take on the responsibility of a pet, we volunteered to watch other people’s pets and helped at an animal shelter. We learned a lot about diferent breeds and pet care that way. We also researched it online and in books at the library. I called the vet to see what costs would be expected on a one-time as well as a regular basis. We started with a short haired indoor cat as I decided that was a committment I could make financially and time wise. We added to that with further visits to the animal shelter and at present we have two cats and two small dogs from a rescue. Unfortunately, since then the cost of vet care has skyrocketed as we moved to a more expensive city due to my husband’s job. Now my husband might lose his job with all the cutbacks. I don’t want to part with my pets and will make every sacrifice possible to keep them. We all have unforseen circumstances. We might lose a job, have to move or die. We will do the best we can. We have searched and found a less expensive vet and online flea prevention. If it came down to having to give up some or all of my pets, I would look for homes for them where they would be well cared for, but I would hope that wouldn’t happen. I hope instead we’ll be Ok and be able to share ou pets by visiting nursing homes and bringing smiles to the eyes of those that can no longer care for their own pet, but remember the days when they did.
I just wanted to say, that there are ideal ways of doing things, in the world. Of course most people want to have $ for all vet bills, premium food, doggie classes, etc. The problem is that so few things happen in an ideal way. I think the best we can do is try to keep striving to reach that ideal. In the meantime, life is difficult at times, and I feel strongly that pets really help the people who love them.
I feel a bit embarrassed to share this, but my 2 cats & dog have helped me through my mother’s death and all the abuse & neglect I am working hard at recovering from. They make me feel loved, help with my depression & teach me not to get so caught up in troubles — but to focus on the important things in life: like playing, cuddling & chasing squirrels ; ) They made me feel accepted during a time I thought no one else did & help me to help & reconnect with the world, become more confident.
I am ashamed to admit that for 10 years I did not pay for vaccinations past the first year (and spay+neuter), for my inside cats (recently adopted my dog) but fed them Iams & took them to the vet the 1 time they appeared possibly ill. I’m lucky that they’ve been super healthy. And, now, I save and plan ahead to get them all their vaccinations – but I’m making it happen. I know it was not the ideal, ‘right’ way – I really feel bad for that – but I’m so grateful they were & are there to help me through.
Thanks for reading. Best of luck to all!
Quick correction – I DID pay for spay & neuter (which cost $400 for the boy due to complications) + first year’s vaccinations. (: )
poor people have the rights to own pets but I feel that they should be prepared to provide at least minimum medical support for their pets. its like bringing a child to the world and you want to at least give them decent food, basic education and health care. they should be prepared for the odd medical complications too. when your pets require expensive medical help, you have to be ready to find the money to save your companion otherwise you have to be ready to sacrifice your pet’s life. thankfully there are good hearted people who are willing to provide free help to our innocent companions.
If I am already poor and go and get a dog or cat I know I cannot afford to take care of, should I? No way…that is ridiculously selfish. If I become poor should it be taken away? No, unless it is in some kind of danger. Being starved etc…
But to advocate that folks who cannot afford pets, get them is highly selfish and irresponsible!
People who cannot afford their animal’s care, are less likely to have them spayed or neutered. And then we have more homeless pets. Why? Because someone was selfish. Animals deserve proper care. Loving them, is NOT enough. Real love is selfless. And knows that sometimes letting go is best, as to not cause further harm or pain.
As far as humans go:
Would you adopt a child if you were flat broke? Why not?
Shouldn’t you give the same kind of thought when adopting a pet!??
I don’t like judging people, because the day will come when I will be judged. When I lived in the Bay Area, I saw lots of homeless men and women with pets. Many of those pets were strays or abandoned. Those pets were loved and cared for. Whenever I could I kept nice biscuits in the car to give to the dog or any spare change I could. I commend organizations who help the poor. Dogs and cats for the poor and homeless are often the only pleasure this world can provide. Dogs and cats don’t care what you look like, what kind of car you drive even if it’s a grocery cart. Cesar Millan says that most of these dogs are the most well adjusted dogs and are loved. Many wealthy people or should I say those who have resources are selfish and abandon their dogs or cats for trivial behavioral or medical issues instead of working with the animal. Well I’m one of the pet poor with 4 dogs, 1 foster dog and 2 cats. I do invest in pet insurance for all of my babies. Not everyone can do that but it is sure worth it!!! I foster one dog at a time until they are adopted. I can only do one. I’ve done two at a time, but it’s too hectic, but at least I’m saving one at a time.
My key phrase is “there but for the grace of God goeth I.” My whole world could be rocked tomorrow by a tornado, an earthquake and I could lose everything. I would be even more poor and devastated to lose my pets. They love me no matter what. So I try to provide the best I can for them. But most of all love. Right now, I feed them the best I can afford and it saves me tons of vet bill money and if my income is reduced, then I cut back on Direct TV, Starbucks, and other pleasures like vacations and so forth and there are ways to make your dollars stretch. I’ve discovered some ways to make it work. You can make homemade ear solutions without buying ultra expensive ones at the store, I save my money for heartworm meds and flea and tick prevention with a really good holistic food. I would be forever buying dog food if I fed Pedigree or grocery brands. It would be pooped out. I can make a 20 lb bag of my current holistic food last a month between 4 dogs and a foster. They are not emaciated or underweight believe me. They don’t need it, the nutrition is so dense, they would gain weight if I over fed them. I can make it stretch.
I have worked in a vet clinic and that is why I recommend one thing for all pet owners who can find the funds, PET INSURANCE. Yes, you still have to pay the bill up front but you do get reimbursed for sickness and injury with the pet insurance I use at least 80%. That will pay back your credit card or bank account. At least it is something. There are several types of plans to work with your budget. I recommend PetfirstHealth or Embrace. Don’t bother with VPI unless you want to wait forever for reimbursement.
Having pet insurance if you can swing it could mean the difference between euthanizing a pet or saving your beloved pet for illness or injury. I’ve seen so many people crying their eyes out because they cannot afford a 3,000 vet bill up front. Who can unless you are wealthy. Most of us are not. But you do get reimbursement with pet insurance so it takes some of the sting away. I get reimbursed within 2 to 3 weeks on average. I know that homeless people cannot afford pet insurance or a pet and can barely feed themselves. But I would rather give up my Starbucks to pay for pet insurance and care than lose a pet because I can’t afford treatment. I’ve seen a dog euthanized due to ongoing ear infections from an owner with financial resources. He couldn’t be bothered. Sad. But the little homeless man with his grocery cart and little chihuahua have what not many of us get from our families, friends, and even spouses, unconditional love. He would be devastated if anything happened to his little dog, and it would break his heart. So he is richer in a way. If I ever win the lottery, if that ever happens, it will be my mission to provide for these people and their pets via donations to good organizations who provide these free veterinary services as well as spay and neuter services.
So I guess I’ll be pet poor awhile longer, in the meantime. My neighbors can still stare when I walk all four dogs, and the foster, but I’m richer in the love I receive from all four dogs and the two cats.
where i live, if an animal is in need of medical attention and is not provided regardless of cost, etc., it is considered, by law, animal cruelty/neglect.
the clinic i work for has, on several occasions called the ACI or told the owner that the animal leaving the clinic was not an option as it would sentence the animal to great pain and or death. we also have a few doctors (and the owner’s wife) who have had the animal signed over to them and provided the medical treatment out of pocket. we have an adoption program, in association with the Pet Adoption League, so that we can make sure they go to wonderful homes.
just the other day, a lady brought in a rat terrier pup approx 10wks old. his leg was caught in a door and was broken. she couldn’t pay for the office visit and the x-rays, much less any treatment. she said she was unemployed and on food stamps. she was crying and in distress about her poor pup. our dr. offered to take the pup if she was willing to sign him over. she did, knowing it was the best thing for his recovery. does Dr. C want another dog? no, but she knew it was the right thing to do and knew there would be many options after the pup was treated to find him a home. so the little guy, named (starring) Max Darwin (dah dah dah), has his little leg in a splint, has current vaccinations, dewormed, flea and tick prevention, good food, he gets tons of love and attention at the clinic during the day and then goes home with his personal doctor at night!
I got both my animals during much better financial times. One was a purchase, the other was a rescue in the truest of terms.
Since I’ve gotten my dogs, I’ve gone through a divorce (I got the dogs- yay!), and I’ve been crippled by an infection that damaged my CNS in new and exciting ways. I now embarassingly live on govt assisted disability.
On good days I’m able to get around with a walker. On real good days a cane. Usually I’m stuck in a chair or a bed. I can’t walk my dogs like I used to. It kinda works out though, one is lazy, and the other recently tore her ACL.
Although I’m not a vet, my education was in biology- and when I was young my family owned a kennel that bred and trained champion hunting dogs, so I have a handle on the basics of dog medicine. Sometimes I’m able to talk my doctors into giving me prescriptions when the need pops up.
For things I can’t handle, I’m lucky to live in a progressively liberal town with a few low cost clinics that cater to our large poor & homeless population. So far no free clinics though :( (Austin TX)
Sometimes I have to go without so I can afford a necessity for the dogs- but I don’t mind.
No two dogs have ever been as loved as mine. They got me through the worst times of my life.
They may not have the best material things, but they do have VERY good nutrition, and they sleep under the covers in bed with a master that they love more than anything…. what more could any animal ask for? Heck, what more could I ask for!?!?
If times get better, they’ll get better “stuff” because I like to spend on my babies- but if not, we’ve got each other, a roof over our head for now, and food in our tummies.
I do wish I could afford a more hi-tech arthroscopic surgeon for the ACL surgery- but we do the best with what we have.
DC, Lou, & Choppy
Pets are a luxury. They deserve good care and at the minimum excellent basic medical care to include preventative care. If a person cannot afford to house or feed themselves they should not have a pet. Love is great but it doesn’t pay the bills. I’ve seen too many pets suffer from lack of basic veterinary care for simple problems that became major problems. This is abuse and neglect. It’s not abuse or neglect to not have the five thousand dollar cataract surgery done or the heroic cancer treatments but it is abuse and neglect to not treat a urinary tract infection, skin problem or other. I don’t have any problems with some animal shelters having rather high standards in the money area when deciding who can and cannot adopt their animals. Veterinarians are business people who must make a profit. They don’t make a profit from yearly shots and common low cost to fix health problems. They make the money from the biggies and bank on an owners love for their pets.