A recent online poll conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Humane Society of the United States has shed light on the challenges faced by pet owners in accessing veterinary care for their furry companions due to financial constraints. Surveying 2042 US adults between March 19 and March 21, 2024, the poll sought to unveil insights into the financial struggles hindering pet owners’ ability to provide necessary care for their pets.
One of the prominent findings of the poll indicates that 43% of pet owners have encountered difficulties in meeting their pets’ needs at some point due to financial reasons. This statistic underscores the pervasive nature of financial barriers in ensuring the well-being of pets across the nation.
According to the Humane Society, an estimated 20 million pets in the US are living in poverty alongside their families, with a staggering 70% never having received veterinary care. Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, emphasized the universality of the human-animal bond and stressed the importance of ensuring access to veterinary services and pet resources for all pet owners, irrespective of their financial standing. Block highlighted the parallel between challenges faced in accessing pet resources and broader issues of poverty and structural inequality affecting human welfare.
Further insights from the poll revealed unanimous support among respondents for the principle that all pet owners deserve to retain custody of their pets as long as they provide care and affection. The majority of respondents also expressed a belief that financial hardships should not compel individuals to relinquish their pets or deter them from adopting animals from overcrowded shelters.
The survey findings resonate with the Pew Research Center’s data, indicating a strong bond between humans and animals, with a significant portion of Americans considering their pets as integral members of their families.
In response to the crisis outlined by the poll, the Humane Society of the United States has launched the “More Than a Pet” initiative aimed at raising awareness and offering solutions to address the financial challenges faced by pet owners in accessing essential care for their pets. Supported by partners such as TQL, Motel 6, Smalls, and Tractive, as well as celebrity ambassador Jackson Galaxy, the campaign seeks to provide assistance to individuals experiencing financial difficulties in caring for their pets.
Jackson Galaxy, renowned for his expertise in cat behavior and wellness, reiterated the significance of preserving the bond between humans and their animal companions, stressing the importance of community support in ensuring that no pet owner is compelled to give up their beloved pets due to financial constraints.
The Humane Society urges the public to extend a helping hand to those experiencing financial crises by offering food donations, pet supplies, and direct contributions to support their cause. The organization’s efforts in distributing over $40 million worth of pet supplies, including substantial quantities of pet food, underscore its commitment to assisting those in need since its inception in 2002.
