Understanding the Link Between Poverty and Pet Ownership

The heartwarming bond between humans and pets is one that transcends many boundaries, yet for those living in poverty or homelessness, pet ownership presents unique socioeconomic challenges and barriers.

This blog explores the intricate relationship between poverty and pet ownership in the UK, highlighting the barriers to support faced by pet owners experiencing homelessness and the limited veterinary care available for pets living on the streets.

Pets play a crucial role in offering companionship and emotional stability, especially for those experiencing poverty. In difficult times, pets provide a constant source of affection and support, which can alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. For individuals who may lack strong social networks, the companionship of a pet can help fill that void, offering a non-judgmental presence that brings comfort during stressful or uncertain periods. The bond between pet owners and their animals often fosters a sense of responsibility and purpose, which can be a valuable emotional anchor during times of hardship.

Beyond companionship, pets can contribute to emotional well-being by offering routine and stability. The care required for feeding, grooming and exercise creates a daily structure that can help people facing economic hardship maintain a sense of normalcy and control. This structure can be mentally and emotionally grounding, giving people something to focus on outside their financial struggles. In this way, pets not only provide emotional support but also serve as a positive influence on the overall mental health of their owners.

Pets offer practical benefits beyond emotional support, with protection and security being a significant advantage. Dogs, in particular, can act as guardians, providing a sense of safety for their owners, especially those living in areas where crime rates may be higher. The presence of a dog can deter potential intruders, offering peace of mind without the need for expensive security systems. For those experiencing financial hardship, a pet that alerts them to dangers or unusual activity can serve as an accessible and reliable form of home security.

In addition to providing protection, pets encourage owners to stay engaged and active in daily life. Dogs, for instance, require regular walks, which motivates their owners to maintain physical activity and spend time outdoors. This can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with the physical and mental tolls of poverty, as exercise and routine contribute to better overall health. Pets can help owners establish structure and purpose in their day-to-day lives, promoting not only physical fitness but also emotional resilience and well-being.

According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, in 2021, 14.5 million people were living in poverty, with many of these individuals facing financial difficulties that made pet ownership challenging.

It’s an undeniable fact that pet ownership utilises financial resources. Though for many people across the UK, this financial responsibility can quickly become a burden with the cost of pet food, supplies and veterinary care rising every month.

Coupled with this is the increasing difficulty of finding affordable but pet-friendly housing. Though changes have been made to encourage more landlords to accept pets through the Renters (Reform) Bill, they are allowed to refuse for ‘good reason’ such as if the property is considered too small or if other tenants have allergies.

The Renters Reform Bill proposes that pet owners can request a certificate of responsible animal guardianship from a registered vet which they can then show to a landlord as evidence that their pet can live safely at a rented property. However, for someone struggling financially, this is unlikely to be a feasible option as it involves additional fees.

Limited access to regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations for pets living in poverty can also lead to a significant increase in health risks. Without consistent medical attention, pets are more vulnerable to preventable diseases such as distemper and parvovirus which can spread rapidly.

Poor living conditions often exacerbate these risks, as pets may be exposed to unsanitary environments, parasites and other health hazards. When basic preventative care like flea treatments, deworming and dental check-ups are neglected, minor health issues can escalate into severe, life-threatening conditions. This lack of access to veterinary care not only affects the animals' well-being but can also strain households already struggling financially, as untreated health problems often result in higher emergency care costs. The cycle of poverty and poor pet health is difficult to break without affordable and accessible veterinary services.

Sadly, many homelessness services and accommodations do not accept pets, forcing individuals facing homelessness to make an agonising choice between seeking shelter for themselves or staying with their beloved animals.

With only a limited number of pet-friendly shelters available, the demand for their services far outweighs the supply, leaving many pet owners experiencing homelessness without safe places to stay. As of 2022, an estimated 227,000 people were considered homeless in the UK, a significant number of whom owned pets, highlighting the scale of the issue. The lack of accommodation for both pets and owners exacerbates the challenges these individuals face, as pets often provide emotional support and companionship during extremely difficult times.

Social stigma further complicates the situation for pet owners experiencing homelessness. For example, there are widespread misconceptions about their ability to care for animals, with many assuming that if someone is struggling with homelessness, they must be incapable of providing proper care for their pets. This societal judgement, coupled with a lack of empathy, often isolates pet owners experiencing homelessness, making it even harder for them to find support.

Legal and bureaucratic barriers also play a role, as many individuals struggle to access government assistance or charity support due to the lack of a permanent address. Proving pet ownership for assistance programmes can also be a major hurdle, further limiting the ability of someone experiencing homelessness to secure resources for both themselves and their animals.

One of the major challenges faced by pet owners experiencing homelessness is the limited availability of veterinary services, particularly those offering free or low-cost care. Few clinics provide these services, and when they do, they are often oversubscribed or under-resourced, leaving many pets without the essential medical attention they need.

Geographic disparities also exacerbate the issue, with some regions, especially rural or underserved areas, lacking veterinary care entirely. The PDSA’s Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report of 2023 highlighted the severity of this issue, revealing that 25% of pet owners struggle to afford veterinary care. For pet owners experiencing homelessness, this struggle is even more pronounced, as they often have fewer resources to access care, further putting their pets' health at risk.

Pets living on the streets are particularly vulnerable to a wide range of health issues due to their unstable living conditions. Common problems include malnutrition, as access to regular, nutritious food is inconsistent, and parasites, which thrive in unsanitary environments.

Untreated injuries are also a frequent occurrence, as pet owners facing housing difficulties may lack the resources to provide immediate care for wounds or infections. Moreover, the spread of diseases such as rabies, parvovirus and flea-borne illnesses is a serious concern, not only for street pets but also for the broader community. Without proper veterinary care and preventive measures like vaccinations and parasite control, these diseases can proliferate, affecting other animals and even humans.

There are several initiatives aimed at providing veterinary care to homeless pets, including mobile clinics, charity-run programmes and community-based efforts. Organisations like StreetVet work tirelessly to offer free vaccinations, flea treatments and emergency care to homeless pets. However, these initiatives face significant challenges, particularly in terms of funding and outreach.

Many rely heavily on donations and volunteer efforts, which limits their capacity to meet the overwhelming demand. The transient nature of homelessness can make it difficult to maintain continuity of care for pets meaning that these programmes often struggle with sustainability due to inconsistent resources. Without more robust financial backing and systemic support, these efforts, while commendable, fall short of addressing the full scope of the issue.

Several organisations have stepped up to support pet owners experiencing homelessness, providing crucial services that otherwise might not be accessible. Charities like StreetVet, as mentioned above, are at the forefront of this movement, offering free veterinary care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness.

Since its founding in 2016, StreetVet has provided care to over 1,000 pets, offering treatments ranging from vaccinations and flea control to emergency surgeries. These community-driven efforts are making a tangible difference by ensuring that homeless pets receive the healthcare they need while also easing the burden on their owners. Other organisations, such as The Mayhew Animal Home and PDSA, also contribute by providing essential services and fostering partnerships with shelters and social services to help keep pets and their owners together.

To truly address the challenges faced by pet owners experiencing homelessness, legal policy changes are necessary. One of the most important steps is advocating for more pet-friendly shelters and housing solutions, allowing individuals to seek refuge without having to abandon their animals. This would provide a critical lifeline for pet owners experiencing homelessness, enabling them to access safe accommodation while keeping their pets close. Increased funding and governmental support for veterinary services targeting homeless pets could significantly improve access to medical care. At Waggel, we believe government strategies relating to homelessness should consider integrating animal welfare further recognising the essential role that pets play in the emotional and mental well-being of their owners.

The public also plays an essential role in supporting pet owners experiencing homelessness through both direct and indirect actions. Donations and fundraising efforts for charities like StreetVet, PDSA and The Mayhew can help ensure that these organisations continue providing free or low-cost veterinary care to those in need. Even small contributions can make a difference in covering the cost of vaccinations, medications and emergency treatments for pets. In addition to financial donations, volunteering is another great way to get involved, whether by assisting at clinics, fostering pets or helping with outreach efforts to connect those experiencing homelessness and their pets with available services. Raising awareness is also key - by spreading the word about the challenges faced by pet owners experiencing homelessness and the organisations working to support them, we’re aiming to help combat stigma and encourage more comprehensive solutions.

In conclusion, pets play an essential emotional and practical role in the lives of people facing poverty and homelessness. For many, these animals are not just companions but sources of comfort, security and stability during incredibly difficult times. Despite this, there are significant barriers preventing pet owners experiencing homelessness from accessing basic services like shelter and veterinary care. Limited pet-friendly housing, scarce low-cost veterinary options and societal hurdles make it challenging for these individuals to provide for their pets' well-being, adding to the struggles they already face.

It’s therefore crucial that we, as a society, recognise and address these issues. By supporting initiatives such as StreetVet and other organisations that provide critical care and resources for homeless pets, a difference can be made in the lives of both animals and their owners. Donations, volunteer efforts and raising awareness are all excellent ways of contributing to expanding the reach and impact of these programmes.

Ultimately, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive community is essential not just for people but for their pets as well. By raising awareness of homelessness and pet ownership, we can begin to help bridge the gap in care and ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the support they need.