Underdogs: Pets, People, and Poverty

Underdogs explores the initiative to provide veterinary care to underserved communities in North Carolina and Costa Rica, highlighting the response of those living in or near poverty. While previous efforts focused on sterilization and basic veterinary care, these initiatives have left over twenty million pets unsterilized, unvaccinated, and untreated in underserved communities. Animal activists and veterinarians have acknowledged the need to address this issue and have launched a new focus on delivering advanced veterinary care to these pets.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2020
Publisher: University of Georgia Press

Underdogs explores the rapidly expanding initiative to provide veterinary care to underserved communities in North Carolina and Costa Rica, examining how individuals living in or near poverty respond to these forms of care. For many years, the humane community in the United States has primarily focused on controlling animal overpopulation and addressing the stray dog problem through euthanasia or sterilization of dogs and cats. These efforts were successful by the turn of the century, resulting in the sterilization and basic veterinary care of most pets, including vaccinations and treatments for medical issues like worms or mange. However, in recent years, animal activists and veterinarians have recognized that these efforts only reached pet owners in advantaged communities, leaving over twenty million pets unsterilized, unvaccinated, and untreated in underserved communities.

The problem of accessing basic veterinary services for dogs and cats in low-income communities has gained significant attention as a pressing issue for animal shelters, animal rescue groups, animal control departments, and veterinarians in the United States and internationally. Over the past five to ten years, animal protection organizations have shifted their focus towards delivering essential and advanced veterinary care to the numerous underserved pets in the United States. This initiative presents challenges for these organizations, as well as pet owners living in poverty across much of the world who own pets or care for street dogs.

One of the primary challenges faced by these organizations is the lack of resources and infrastructure in underserved communities. Many of these areas lack access to veterinary clinics, and even when available, they may be limited in their services or staffed by inexperienced professionals. This can result in delayed or inadequate treatment for pets, leading to suffering and potential health risks. Additionally, the cost of veterinary care can be a significant barrier for low-income individuals, making it difficult for them to afford necessary treatments and medications.

Despite these challenges, animal protection organizations are committed to addressing the needs of underserved pets. They have developed innovative programs and partnerships to bring veterinary care directly to these communities, including mobile clinics, community outreach programs, and financial assistance programs. These efforts have helped to increase access to veterinary services, reduce the number of pet abandonment and euthanasia, and improve the overall health and well-being of pets in low-income communities.

One example of an organization making a significant impact in this area is the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). The ASPCA has launched a program called "Paws for a Cause" that provides free veterinary care to underserved communities in the United States. The program includes mobile clinics, community outreach programs, and financial assistance for pet owners who cannot afford the cost of veterinary care. Through this program, the ASPCA has provided over 1 million free veterinary services to pets in need, including spaying and neutering, vaccinations, dental care, and medical treatments.

Similarly, the Humane Society of the United States has also been actively involved in providing veterinary care to underserved communities. The organization's "Humane Society Veterinary Medical Program" offers free or low-cost veterinary care to pets in need, including spaying and neutering, vaccinations, dental care, and medical treatments. The program has partnered with local animal shelters and rescue groups to provide veterinary services to pets in their care, as well as to pets owned by individuals living in poverty.

In addition to these national organizations, there are many local animal protection groups and rescue organizations that are working tirelessly to provide veterinary care to underserved communities. These groups often rely on volunteers and donations to support their efforts, and they often work closely with local veterinarians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that pets receive the best possible care.

Despite these efforts, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all pets in need receive the veterinary care they require. Many underserved communities continue to face barriers to accessing veterinary services, including lack of transportation, language barriers, and cultural beliefs that may discourage pet ownership. Additionally, there is a need for more education and awareness about the importance of pet ownership and the benefits of regular veterinary care.

In conclusion, the problem of getting basic veterinary services to dogs and cats in low-income communities has become a significant issue facing animal shelters, animal rescue groups, animal control departments, and veterinarians in the United States and abroad. While significant progress has been made in recent years, there is still work to be done to ensure that all pets in need receive the care they require. By developing innovative programs and partnerships, as well as increasing education and awareness, we can work towards creating a more equitable and compassionate society for all animals, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820358222