Do you think lower income people can make good pet owners? - Page 6 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

anniez69 · 11-19-2010, 10:01 AM

I worked for a very large animal shelter for many years and the people that surrendered most of the animals drove expensive cars, carried expensive purses and lived in affluent neighborhoods. My opinion its actually the oposite. From my experience it seemed the people that apeared "low income" were better pet owners.
I wonder if there has ever been any real research on this subject ?

LunasMomma · 11-19-2010, 10:11 AM

What pets need most of all (besides the basics of food, water, shelter, vet care when needed), is LOVE and attention. There is no price tag on those two things.

When we got our girls, we were doing very well financially. We were very comfortable and could afford the best of everything, vets included. Then of course, the economy went into the cr@pper and our money went with it. We cannot afford any unexpected vet expenses, so we take every precaution (to the point of paranoia

) to make sure that our babies remain healthy and uninjured. They still get their premium food and treats, and get more attention and love than ever. So even though we don't have a lot in the bank, we do take the very best care possible of them

If you had to be rich to own a pet, just imagine what an awful world this would be!

dinkyweil · 11-19-2010, 01:48 PM

It's not income level. I know a family who has the means to provide any vet care necessary, but the dog is never walked and spends most of the day outside alone. He's just an unhappy boy. I suppose if he gets sick, his owners can afford the necessary care, but I don't consider that being a good pet owner. Sure, any person who brings a pet into a home has to consider whether or not the pet is affordable for you and your family. I think basic care per year for a dog (not including "start up costs" like neutering) are about 400-500 a year if all goes well. From my perspective that makes a pet affordable for most households. I think if you don't consider that then you are probably not going to be a good pet owner--not because you can't afford it, but because you aren't thinking about the responsiblities that come with a pet.
Also, from my perspective, extraordinary costs are very personal decisions. I'm talking about very expensive emergency surgery or cancer care, for example.

kdhawks · 11-19-2010, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breny

Do you think lower income people can make good pet owners?

One word: Absolutley

That is the best answer yet.

hnybun128 · 11-19-2010, 05:15 PM

I guess I'm just going to reiterate what so many people have already said, but good pet ownership is not based on income level. I am lucky enough to be very comfortable right now (salary is more than double the median income level for my area). I am a single mother, however, and did spend years struggling to get where I am now. I have always been responsible with my money, though, and put priority on the health and well being of my pets. During the time when I didn't have a ton of money, I would go without or whip out a VISA or do whatever it took to ensure everyone was healthy.

I really do believe it's all about priorities. My priority happens to be my family, which happens to include my four footed, furry family members.

11-19-2010, 10:11 AM	#77
LunasMomma Izzy's Momma Too! Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Stuart, Florida Posts: 8,799	What pets need most of all (besides the basics of food, water, shelter, vet care when needed), is LOVE and attention. There is no price tag on those two things. When we got our girls, we were doing very well financially. We were very comfortable and could afford the best of everything, vets included. Then of course, the economy went into the cr@pper and our money went with it. We cannot afford any unexpected vet expenses, so we take every precaution (to the point of paranoia ) to make sure that our babies remain healthy and uninjured. They still get their premium food and treats, and get more attention and love than ever. So even though we don't have a lot in the bank, we do take the very best care possible of them If you had to be rich to own a pet, just imagine what an awful world this would be! __________________ Tracy, Mom to Izzy and Luna

11-19-2010, 10:01 AM	#76
anniez69 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 24	I worked for a very large animal shelter for many years and the people that surrendered most of the animals drove expensive cars, carried expensive purses and lived in affluent neighborhoods. My opinion its actually the oposite. From my experience it seemed the people that apeared "low income" were better pet owners. I wonder if there has ever been any real research on this subject ?

11-19-2010, 01:48 PM	#78
dinkyweil YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Nebo, NC Posts: 479	It's not income level. I know a family who has the means to provide any vet care necessary, but the dog is never walked and spends most of the day outside alone. He's just an unhappy boy. I suppose if he gets sick, his owners can afford the necessary care, but I don't consider that being a good pet owner. Sure, any person who brings a pet into a home has to consider whether or not the pet is affordable for you and your family. I think basic care per year for a dog (not including "start up costs" like neutering) are about 400-500 a year if all goes well. From my perspective that makes a pet affordable for most households. I think if you don't consider that then you are probably not going to be a good pet owner--not because you can't afford it, but because you aren't thinking about the responsiblities that come with a pet. Also, from my perspective, extraordinary costs are very personal decisions. I'm talking about very expensive emergency surgery or cancer care, for example.

11-19-2010, 05:15 PM	#80
hnybun128 I ♥ Maci & Mojo Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Morris, IL, USA Posts: 856	I guess I'm just going to reiterate what so many people have already said, but good pet ownership is not based on income level. I am lucky enough to be very comfortable right now (salary is more than double the median income level for my area). I am a single mother, however, and did spend years struggling to get where I am now. I have always been responsible with my money, though, and put priority on the health and well being of my pets. During the time when I didn't have a ton of money, I would go without or whip out a VISA or do whatever it took to ensure everyone was healthy. I really do believe it's all about priorities. My priority happens to be my family, which happens to include my four footed, furry family members.