Pets on the street.

It is becoming increasingly commonplace to see homeless people begging for small change in dark alleyways and rank street corners, where they often defecate and sleep. Often a dog is by their side, and more frequently these animals are appearing to be malnourished due to being underfed and miserable.

Although this pet may be the only connection that this person has, and may help the homeless person from becoming lonely and stressed, as everyone deserves the unconditional love only a pet can bring, often these people have made the wrong choices in life, which has led them into this situation. If they cannot get a home or look after themselves, do they deserve to own a pet which will be in the same situation as them?

If they truly love their animal, shouldn’t they give them away to caring homes that can satisfy their needs?

"Life is life's greatest gift. Guard the life of another creature as you would your own because it is your own. On life's scale of values, the smallest is no less precious to the creature who owns it than the largest." - Lloyd Biggle Jr.

Many say that the dogs are happy as they get to be with their owner, whom they will see as a pack leader, constantly, and will get lots of exercise. Also, as dogs didn’t live in houses originally, they would get well socialized with members of the public walking past. However, one must think more about the dangers with living outside constantly:

*It is almost entirely positive that the pet will not have proper care as the owner cannot afford it, such as regular feeding, heart work prevention, vaccines and shelter from the bad weather. Disease like Parvo and Rabies can be fatal to dogs that aren’t protected against them. However, there are several organizations that will help with vet services for a homeless person so their pets can be sprayed and neutered, and sometimes volunteers will feed the pets when the homeless eat at soup kitchens.

*It is much more difficult for a homeless person to gain a home, be it temporary or permanent, with a pet.

*There is the constant threat of public abuse to the animal, not everybody on the streets can be trusted to treat it with respect.

*A young or untrained animal may rush into the street into oncoming traffic and be injured; if it lives the homeless person would not be able to afford veterinary care.


Pets are becoming subjected to these cruel conditions to be used as props so that we feel increasingly sorry for them, and give money to the owner to feed his pet. Unfortunately, they count on this and actually use the money you generously and unwittingly donate to fuel their drug addiction and own selfish ends. It is rare the money is spent on the pet itself even though that was your intention it would be. There is no way of stopping this unless the RSPCA notices the animal is being neglected and would be in better care when removed of its owner, but homeless people are very clever at hiding and preventing this. One way to ensure the pet of the homeless person is looked after is rather than give the homeless person money, go and directly buy a blanket, toy or pet food for the pet instead of digging into your pocket.