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Originally Posted by Rachael1983  I've seen in some major cities (ie NYC, Chicago, DC, LA) where homeless people did in fact have pets. They do have access to basic care through programs through the city. I think this is a great program actually so I don't think this limits people who may want a dog.
Further to this, people who have low incomes, lets say below the poverty line which is ~36K/year, I've seen families give loving, happy, healthy homes to a pet.
Just because someone doesn't make a substantial amount of money does not make them unqualified to own a pet. Time and responsibility makes owning a pet possible. Granted there are costs that may come up that make be rate limiting (example dog gets cancer or breaks something) the pet parent may make the hard choice to put that dog down instead of give chemo or 5k surgery. It doesn't take away from their love for the pet or the life they may have provided for that animal. We can't judge anyone for that because they may be taking funds and resources from a child or an elderly parent they are taking care of. Everyone's life has circumstances and an individual has their own right to know which circumstances will allow them to make a responsible choice in owning a pet or not.
So my two cents is that yes a low income person can own a pet. |
Some of the richest (wealthiest) dog owners that I walk dogs for are the worst whereas the lower income are the best owners they can possibly be.
The wealthiest are often the ones with the most time and money yet they don't do anything with their dogs, they are kept crated/gated away from the family most of the days, etc etc. It makes me sad how they are sometimes there as basically just puppets or wall ornaments for show.
(Not to say all rich people are horrible dog owners and all poor people are great dog owners ... but I am just saying not everything is so black or white).
I would rather see a dog in a loving home with someone who maybe can't afford a $10k surgery and live a fabulous life than on the streets, sitting in a shelter, etc.