If You Can't Afford Pets Should You Have Pets?
This is a question I've encountered over the years. I'm curious what you think.
At a recent gathering of family and friends, I was asked about my work at the pet food shelf. No sooner had I explained what we do and how it worked when someone across the table threw open their arms in a dramatic sweep and yelled, “People who can’t afford pets have no business getting pets. It’s so irresponsible.”
I was instantly transported to a spring afternoon when the crows were cawing in a cottonwood outside the open door to the pet food shelf. Jaycee and Mitch moved slowly in a circle, taking in the pet food and supplies bulging from the freshly stocked shelves. A few tears slowly spilled from the corner of Jaycee’s ocean blue eyes as she whispered her gratitude. She and Mitch had just adopted two dogs. They hadn’t realized how expensive feeding 190 pounds of canine would be until they’d gone to the store the first afternoon with their new friends. I kept a reassuring smile on my face as I helped them choose food, a bag of treats, a crimson leash for Beau and a pink collar for Mable. I waved goodbye, filed their paperwork, then let my anger unfurl to the food shelf manager.
“What was the rescue thinking by adopting dogs to people who can’t afford their care? It seems so irresponsible.”
It was my first shift as a volunteer many moons ago. Kate, the manager and long-time social worker, gently said, “I know it’s difficult when people make choices that are different from yours. It’s hard not to judge. But you don’t know why Jaycee and Mitch can’t afford food. Did one of them lose a job? Are medical complications impacting their finances? Is their situation temporary or long-term?”
She took a sip of water from her sticker-laden bottle, wiped a dribble from her chin, and continued. “Our path to reducing animal suffering is not always direct. The dog food we provide will help Jaycee and Mitch feed Beau and Mable. Jaycee and Mitch, in turn, were the lifelines for the dogs. Their adoption meant they were spared euthanasia or an extended stay in the shelter. Their adoption also created space at the shelter for two more dogs and a possible second chance at life for both.”
I let Kate’s insights stew in my mind as I helped the next few visitors find food and supplies. Near the end of my shift, Daryl hobbled through the door on a wooden cane nicked with wear. Kate waved heartily and greeted him like an old friend. Daryl quickly packed 150 pounds of food, half the weight of his four German Shepherds, into a rusty wagon that he’d pull to his home across from the highway exit ramp.
Kate saw the distress in my eyes, interpreting the thoughts in my head. “Those four dogs have been Daryl’s security through numerous robbery attempts. They’ve been his companions when the scars of war isolate him. Daryl rescued all four from death row. Volunteer with us long enough, and you’ll understand why it’s not easy to determine who should have pets or if money is a good measure of responsibility.”
I left my first shift humbled. I knew so little about other people’s realities. But Kate was right. The longer I stayed, the more I saw, the more I learned.
For years, I watched as Covid wreaked havoc on jobs and financial security. People died. Family members and pets were left behind.
George Floyd was murdered. The pet food shelf neighborhood was set on fire. Businesses were shuttered. Jobs were lost. Not one store remained for people to purchase food for humans or pets.
People got cancer. Kids got hurt. Pensions ran out. Cars broke down. Storms destroyed homes. Homeless camps were bulldozed. Spouses were deployed. Service members returned injured.
As the years rolled by, the list of reasons why people visited the pet food shelf grew. My own beliefs shifted.
I took a sip of water from my cup, took a deep breath, and asked the person who yelled from across the table for a moment of their time. I shared my stories. I shared my shift. I shared the truth—that the majority of people who visited the pet food shelf were there to advocate for their pets. Their lack of money did not equate with a lack of care. In other words, we can’t infer irresponsibility from financial insecurity.
What we can do is expand access to safety nets, like the pet food shelf, to help people care for their animals when they bump up against tough times.
Here are a few ways you can help people to help their pets.
Community food shelves often provide pet food to visitors, so people don’t have to use people food to feed pets. If your community food shelf does not offer pet food, provide donations of time and money to get them started. Rally your neighbors to support the distribution of pet food and supplies at your community food shelf.
Donate time and money to local rescues and shelters that offer pet food to community members in need. If local resources don’t exist, help them get started. Provide donations of time and money. Rally your neighbors.
Volunteer at a pet food shelf, rescue, shelter or animal welfare organization. Many have begun to offer safety nets to community members.
Need help with pet food for your pet? Check out 5 Resources for Free Pet Food
Need help funding veterinary care? Check out 30 Ways to Fund Veterinary Care
Considering getting a pet? Read 4 Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet
Cindy, you struck a nerve with this timely post. Six weeks ago in Florida, my dog and I were hailed by a shabbily dressed man with an elderly pit bull mix, Trooper, whom he had rescued as a puppy. I could tell the dog was greatly loved but severely underfed, all his ribs showing through the skin. His nails were yellowed talons that had never been cut. As a visitor to the neighborhood, I didn't know where to direct this man for the free food Trooper urgently needed. Yes, he should keep his dog, who could well be his only true friend in the world. The local shelters, like shelters everywhere, are bursting with unwanted animals. Thank you for your bringing compassion and common sense to the fraught matter of "affording" pets.
Thank you for this compassionate post, Cindy. It is especially meaningful that you write about your own journey in understanding through volunteerism for animal welfare. An important conversation here.