Should People On Food Stamp Benefits Be Allowed To Use Them For Their Pet?
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
September 29, 2010 7:30pm CST
I subscribe to PetsPlace and receive their newsletters. There was an interesting article about a Pennsylvania man, who is an unemployed disabled wheelchair bound vet who has a service dog and wanted his food stamp benefits increased to allow for the cost of keeping and feeding his dog...He was denied.
Here's a small excerpt from the article about the disabled vet wanting more food stamps support
The man applied for additional food stamp support to help feed his dog and he was denied because the state ruled that animals do not qualify for food stamps. So pet food may not be purchased with food stamps.
You can read the article here
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/food-stamp-laws-and-pet-food/page1.aspx
Now I don't know how other states in the US manage and work out the food stamp program as I've heard some people can get cash back with a food stamp purchase. Here in the NY area that's impossible to do as we are given a card that works similar to an ATM/Debit card and ONLY food can be purchased and can't get money back. So this means any taxable non-food items cannot be purchased with the food stamp card..that means no toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, aspirin and certainly not pet food.
Now there is a mind set that believes that if one is receiving benefits, food stamps and/or therefore low income that one shouldn't even have a pet. Uh, I think you can sense my feeling about that.
I've had pets since I was five years old and couldn't imagine my life without one. I also happen to yes, get disability benefits and food stamps, so yes, low income here, I'm NOT rolling in the moola and squeak by, but I often wish that my food stamps would cover my pet food costs...don't ask how many times my disability benefits were used up and next to nothing after paying all my bills and other living expenses and had to resort to buying cans of people tuna for my cat Kissy using my food stamps but couldn't buy pet food for her.
So yes, my cat isn't a service animal, however there have been tons of articles written how beneficial pets are to people...they can reduce stress, help depression, not to mention keep the pet owner company especially if one lives alone like I do...heck, I know I would be depressed if I DIDN'T have a pet after all these years
What's your take on this....should people getting disability benefits and especially food stamps have the food stamp program extend to people being able to use them for pet food as well?...especially in a case of a person with a service animal?
I've had pets since I was five years old and couldn't imagine my life without one. I also happen to yes, get disability benefits and food stamps, so yes, low income here, I'm NOT rolling in the moola and squeak by, but I often wish that my food stamps would cover my pet food costs...don't ask how many times my disability benefits were used up and next to nothing after paying all my bills and other living expenses and had to resort to buying cans of people tuna for my cat Kissy using my food stamps but couldn't buy pet food for her.
So yes, my cat isn't a service animal, however there have been tons of articles written how beneficial pets are to people...they can reduce stress, help depression, not to mention keep the pet owner company especially if one lives alone like I do...heck, I know I would be depressed if I DIDN'T have a pet after all these years
What's your take on this....should people getting disability benefits and especially food stamps have the food stamp program extend to people being able to use them for pet food as well?...especially in a case of a person with a service animal?12 people like this
39 responses
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
30 Sep 10
A service animal of any type should be covered, period. So should animals who assist with a person's livelihood, or provide any other service. As for general pets for low income individuals, I guess the reason some people think they shouldn't be covered is because it would lead to an abuse of the system--i.e. people would obtain a pet to increase their food stamps benefits. But that issue is easily preventable--the person needs to provide proof of pet ownership, either through a vet or by registering their pet with their township. And then the person's food stamp account is coded to allow a certain amount of pet food purchases. Therefore, the only "extra benefit" is for pet food, as opposed to extra people food (!). I also think that many people who are saying that they are opposed to allowing food stamps for pet food may not realize that the use of food stamps is often transient--it is not the same as collecting lifetime disability for an injury, for example. Many people only utilize food stamps for a short period of time, go back and forth between needing them and not needing them. Thus, a person may have owned his or her pet for 15 years, then suddenly becomes unemployed, and needs extra help paying for pet food. Should this person be forced to give up the pet, thus increasing the sense of loss, lower self esteem, etc., that one often feels when losing a job? That seems to be counter-productive to me. And if their fortune turns around in a relatively short period of time, they may have been forced to give up the pet for nothing, in the end.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
30 Sep 10
Maybe they could make an allowance for pets already owned but not allow for further pets to be added while still receiving benefits?? Truthfully if one can't feed oneself then he/she should not be out purchasing a pet but if the pet is already a part of the household then I think it should be allowed.
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
30 Sep 10
That sounds like a reasonable compromise, although I would still make the exception for a service pet, even if the pet is obtained after the person has started food stamps.
1 person likes this
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
30 Sep 10
Food stamp benefits are meant for fulfilling a need for food. they should only be used for purchasing items that we can eat to feed ourselves and our families. i don't think they should be allowed for anything else.2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Oct 10
You mention that food stamps should only buy items that fulfill feeding ourselves and our families--but the thing is, many people DO consider their pets as family, I know I do
@sudiptacallingu (10879)
• India
30 Sep 10
Its definitely a very sensitive issue and specially for people like you, who love their pets more than themselves. It can certainly be very frustrating to either spend the little money you have on your pets or to see them go hungry. However, I feel that if the state has to choose between feeding people and feeding pets, people will always have to take precedence. However, a service animal is definitely a special case since you cant really separate that animal from its owner since the owner is completely dependent on it…in such cases, such food benefits should be extended to the pet too.
2 people like this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
30 Sep 10
I think that service dogs should qualified for food stamps. Low income people who are not disable can cook for pets.
It cost the same or less than pets food that is not good for pets anyway.
1 person likes this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
1 Oct 10
difficult topic...I don't mind to work harder to support people in need, but is seems that I may have to take additional part time to be able to support myself (not much left in my hand after paying my taxes). 40 millions in USA are on food stamps. When I go to the grocery store, I have 5-10 items in my bag, while people who pay with food stamps are overloaded their carts. I know one lady who is driving 2009 luxury car, but somehow she has food stamps and is obviously abusing the system.... it makes me think...
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
2 Oct 10
Yes a lot of people do abuse the system. In my area many women get WIC..they keep cranking out kids just to stay on the program--in the meantime they have large plasma TV that take up nearly a whole wall--LOL--I can see it from my window and see into the apts across the street--if they can afford that, they can afford to feed their zillion kids
Well I do get food stamps and do overload my wagon with food, but I like to stock up for awhile in case the weather is lousy and can't get out..
@ElicBxn (63594)
• United States
30 Sep 10
I think so, and understand, I also have known of poor people buying dog or cat food to eat themselves.
Now, Maggiepie is on food stamps and also gets meals on wheels. Here in Austin there is a group that has been sending out pet food once a month with the bag of people food. So, while Maggie likes and pays for the clumping litter, she hasn't had to buy cat food for months, still gets Minnie treats, but not the food.
Actually, since they send enough food to last more than a month, one month (when she had 3 bags worth) I brought one of the bags home to my hordes of cats!
I do think in the case of a service animal, they really should make money available for him, because if he didn't have the service animal, they would probably be paying even MORE for him to have other aides...
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Sep 10
I take what you're talking about is like a pet food pantry?? Many are starting to crop up all over the country. They certainly could have used something like that during the Gulf Oil crisis when many people became out of work and resorted to dumping their pets in shelters
And your right, it would in the long run cost more for a person like that disabled man to have round the clock "people" help versus his dog
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63594)
• United States
30 Sep 10
actually, they did, she's had the stuff coming since April or so, and both this year and last they took Minnie to have her rabies shot and gave her some flea meds
A whole year last year and only 2 doses this year, one they gave her before she came back from the vaccine visit.
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
30 Sep 10
Wow, that is a tough one pye, and I see many replied all have a different opinion. But I do believe if it was allowed, that only a limited amount should be used. For example suddenly someone has a tons of animals because now they can feed them only to be overwhelmed with vet bills or not able to control so many pets at once. I do love the idea though, about dog food banks..Was that you we were talking about and you had a link to areas in the country that have food banks for dogs? This is something I think should increase across the country. That way those who go to food banks for themselves can also get food for their pet..:)
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Sep 10
A thought just popped in my mind that maybe what I really meant too is that if extra food stamp benefits could be given to people who already have pets, so in other words not to encourage people to get MORE pets just due to them being on food stamps. So many people are in dire straights, lost jobs, become disabled and need benefits, so now they find it hard to feed the pet they've might had for years and years (like my Kissy whom I've had ten going on eleven)---the thought of having to give her up just cause I couldn't afford her anymore would be devastating for me...heck I'd rather starve myself than deny her food--One of the reasons people do give up their pets is due to not being able to afford feeding them anymore..hundreds of pets were dumped in high kill shelters during the Gulf Oil spill crisis...they became out of work and couldn't afford them..being that they were high kill shelters the majority of the pets were killed off due to lack of space
It's not just dog food banks that are cropping up but for both cats and dogs...many regular food pantries for people will often have a section for pet foods as well
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
30 Sep 10
Great idea!!! The people have to show they already have the pet..I know as much as I complain about my rowdy couple here, I'd be lost without them..It would be really cool if our county added a pet food section to their food bank..I know, when I make millions off my book, I'll start it rolling..:) If they won't because of space, (It's tiny little space) I'll pay for an add on just for pet food, that way they won't have to hire more people.
Now I have to get this book polished off to get it out to the public and make millions..
Now I have to get this book polished off to get it out to the public and make millions..1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
2 Oct 10
LOL--I have a few novels in the back burner...now to find the time to write them again
1 person likes this
@Trace86 (5030)
• United States
30 Sep 10
This sort of seems like a touchy subject. I can see both sides, I guess. I have had a cat also since I was very young and can't picture my life without having one. I just don't understand why the food stamp program would care if you bought pet food or toilet paper with their money. On the other hand, if you can't afford food and things for your family, why would you want to get a pet and take away from what you can buy for your family? On the third hand, my cat is my family. I just can't make an educated opinion since I am not in that situation.
A service animal is very important to the person who needs it. But you can't make an exception to the food stamp rule in one situation and not another. You must be fair all the way around.
1 person likes this
@RebeccaScarlett (2532)
• Canada
30 Sep 10
Sure you can make an exception in one area and not another. Service animals are allowed anywhere, private establishments must let them in, even though pets are not allowed. It's the same thing here.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
7 Oct 10
I think a service animal should certainly be able to be cared for and I wholly support a Pets As Therapy (PAT) program. It's hard to beat a state ruling however.
Maybe if there was a concentration on helping people who are more than capable, of getting off disability benefits and into paid work even on a temporary rather than full time basis, then that could be a step in the right direction. This could be taken a step further by removing the benefit from those people who are fully capable of working but choose to cheat the system. If these concepts were given some attention there would be a more equitable share for those people genuinely in need.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Oct 10
Unfortunately a lot of people do "cheat" the system. However our disability benefits programs are kind of screwed to begin with. Now a person with SSI-D can earn up to an extra $500 a month without benefits being affected. A writer friend of mine who is on disability does just this by writing a lot even though while "working" at home. My benefits while considered "disability" are different..in my case I can only earn $85 a month extra without my benefits being affected. To go over that amount my disability could be cut drastically--sort of a paradox...it's not like I wouldn't mind earning money (and more than $85 a month) ...the whole point to try and earn a bit more are for living expenses, so it's not like I want to earn money to get Dom Perignon champagne...LOL--just something simple like a desperately needed pair of shoes since my shoes no longer fit me (my feet have spread) and I'm a virtual cripple wearing them
Back three years ago when I finally got my own computer I thought it'd be a great gateway for me to seriously earn money by starting an on-line photography business--it was my hope that by doing that, that even though still disabled and not able to work out of the house I could work at home at a business and get off disability benefits. Reality smacked me in the face when I realized a zillion other photographers had the same exact idea and NONE of those photographers are making substantial money at all either. Ergo--a lot of us in effect stay "stuck" on disability benefits since any kind of at home work/business is so iffy
1 person likes this
@betlynfrnds (4069)
• United States
5 Oct 10
This is a very easy one for me - YES, without a doubt. Whether a person owns a service pet or whether they own a companion pet, I believe that a certain percentage of the food stamps may go for pet food and supplies.
I, too, have read quite a few articles and have seen programs about the benefits of pets. Unfortunately, not enough of the right people can do much about it.
I am so fed up with all the sad stories about what happens to pets and the stupid, ignorant people that are responsible for the cruelty to these animals get away with it. 
There's very little justice for animals. They deserve it. They, too, are victims of hard economic times and too many people and organizations seem to feel that animals are disposable.
I have a houseful of kitties and they are my joy. They are my family. I have more love for them than I do for most people including pretty much all of my human family.
So, again, in answer to your question, Yes, I beleive pet owners on food stamps should be able to use a portion for their pets.
There's very little justice for animals. They deserve it. They, too, are victims of hard economic times and too many people and organizations seem to feel that animals are disposable.
I have a houseful of kitties and they are my joy. They are my family. I have more love for them than I do for most people including pretty much all of my human family.
So, again, in answer to your question, Yes, I beleive pet owners on food stamps should be able to use a portion for their pets.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Oct 10
LOL--couldn't agree with you more. My current cat is my family as well, and yes, since I've had cats all my life have often preferred them over my human family
@betlynfrnds (4069)
• United States
9 Oct 10
You definately sound like my kind of person.
Anyone who considers pets as family is A OKAY in my book.
Anyone who considers pets as family is A OKAY in my book. 
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
3 Oct 10
I think food stamps are most often abused...have been for many years. Many years I was in line at the grocery store and looked at the food of the person ahead of me and their items were things I couldn't afford...then turns out, they pay with food stamps. They ate better than me. I called and tried to get them for my kids, but since I had a car, they denied me until I sold the car and lived off the money until it was gone, then I could reapply.
No, definately not should animals items be allowed to be purchased with food stamps. If it is a service animal, then get special stamps for that or something like that, but I hate paying for people to feed their animals Fancy Feast, while I feed my kids whatever meat is cheapest this week. I also hated not being able to afford the nice pre-cut fruits assembles, while food stampers were able to. They were buying steak, and I was buying ground beef. They were buying fresh cold cuts, and I had to buy whatever was on sale that week pre-packaged.
Maybe have food stamps be good for just fresh items and nothing else... make them at least have to cook their meals and eat healthy!
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
7 Oct 10
I'm also amazed at what the "low income" people here can afford. "Single Mums" actually living with their partner, totally healthy people on disability, it really gets up my nose how many people must be cheating the system because they certainly live better than I do. Mind you, I do ok because I go without, live frugally and am sensible and careful. I have 5 pets and feed an extra one and they cost me less than $10 a week. I think you have the right idea of limiting what can be bought...on top of what limits already exist. In Australia you cannot use charity coupons for soft drink, chips or sweets - it has to be proper food and household items. Most people I have noticed do abide by the rules but I also disagree with them buying biscuits and cordial.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
30 Sep 10
damn I just lost my wholeresponce. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. oh Pye yes when its a service dog and that person needs his or her pet to help them their dogs should indeed be given food stamps. what a heartless thing to deny service animals the food they need. Here in California some of us diabetics can get trained dogs who can tell at once if your blood glucose level is going too low.I do think these special dogs and their owners should get special food stamps. I have seen poor people trying to live on dog and cat food and that makes me feel sad too. I think people who are poor should have a pet as that makes them feel so much better.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
2 Oct 10
I didn't know dogs could be trained to know when a person's blood glucose level was too low. I learn something everyday!
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
8 Oct 10
wow Hatley, I wonder what it would take to train one or both of our puppies? Because my husband blood sugar gets low...Then again he knows when it gets low, but still, I'd love to train them for something..:)
1 person likes this
@jerzgirl (9291)
• United States
30 Sep 10
Unless they are a service animal (and that includes animals that help calm people with psychiatric disorders or autism if ordered by a doctor), I don't believe food stamps should be used. I know it's difficult when low income to afford pet products, but there has to be a line drawn somewhere or there will be other "how about this" things being requested. The one thing I DO think should be included in Food Stamp allotments is soap, toilet paper, shampoo and toothpaste/toothbrushes. They are necessities that are often left out because the cash went to rent and utilities. But, things at least are looking up with HUD finally allowing people to have pets in low income housing. For so long, they didn't allow it. It was ridiculous. And, if necessary, human food can be used to feed many/most pets until one has money for actual pet food. You just have to make sure to avoid specific things that are toxic for your type of pet. I've been on Food Stamps and know how tight it could be. I remember buying dog food for my cats because dog food is cheaper. I even fed them cream of wheat with milk (not good for more than a day unless you like kitty diarrhea, but it kept them from being hungry). I'd give them lunch meat (I'd buy the ends and pieces from the deli) and cheese or pieces of meat from our meals. I never allowed them to go hungry.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Sep 10
Yes I could never understand why food stamps don't allow for other basic necessities of life like toilet paper, toothpaste etc. Years and years ago, when my mother and I had a LOT more cats we did feed them people food...would cook up chicken soup..they loved it, the broth, rice,veggies and the chicken and they did fine by that, and that was BEFORE I had food stamps--unfortunately my cat Kissy is well shall we say fussy and won't eat people food--another problem..maybe due to living in such an expensive area of the country (NYC) my food stamps don't stretch out the way they used to
@minx267 (15527)
• Hartford, Connecticut
30 Sep 10
I think they should give a small cash stipend so that you can use it on what you deem necessary.. Toilet paper or Dog/Cat food. I know when I was jobless years ago, we went 4 months without paying rent and my pets were eating a lot of what I was eating. I would by small cans of cat food and I would cook up some scrambled eggs w/ milk rip a slice of bread into small pieces and through that in too and then dump a small can of cat food in with the mixture.. this smorgasbord fed 3 adult cats and a litter of (still nursing) kittens.
After the holidays my landlord of course (I am grateful he gave us 4 months) had to evict us and I had to move 2 dogs and 5 cats into my aunts 3 room house and my roommate bunked in her garage (which had a 2nd floor) with the dogs. I NEVER ever considered giving up my pets as an option.. even when homeless. Without them there would have been no point for me to go on - what do you have left when you are at your lowest? Your pets are always there for you and are never judging, it's because of them I muddled through and it took many may years to get to where I am today, A home owner. (an incredibly cheap and starting to fall apart home but...) A home I bought so my dogs would have a back yard to run around in and call their own. I did none of this for me. These "pets" are my children and I think they are many others too- they should not have to get rid of their family and if they can pay for people to have baby after baby just so they can increase their benefits and get some earned income credit.... Then a few dollars a week for pet food should be allowed. That's just my humble opinion.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (167015)
• Boise, Idaho
30 Sep 10
I am on Social Security benefits and I can't even get food stamps because I have too much income. There has to be some rules and it has to stop some where. I think if this man was careful he make his food go for both of them. Vegetables, rice, and such can feed an animal too. The dog could eat scraps from his meals. I am sure there are alot of options. Maybe the dog association where he got the dog could help him or perhaps he could work with them to set up a system to feel these type of dogs.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Oct 10
Well it could be that maybe his regular Veterans Benefits aren't very high, so this man with his service dog might not be able to buy "people" food to feed his dog, and also it could be that his food stamp benefits aren't enough either. I get a pretty good amount of food stamp benefits, but with the way food costs is rising I'm finding that my benefits don't stretch out as much as they did before
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (167015)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Oct 10
Well, something people either don't know or don't care to acknowledge is the fact that Food stamp benefits are to aid and help families with monthly food expenses. They ARE NOT to be expected to be the total amount used by a family for food. I think alot of people tend to forget this and feel let down because they aren't getting enough to feed their families. And as far as stretching out enough to feed an animal too is just rediculous.
@minx267 (15527)
• Hartford, Connecticut
30 Sep 10
I totally agree with you. An animal whether it's a service animal or not has many benefits I think many many people will tell you their pets have been what has kept them going when they would have given up. I commented up above so I won't reiterate everything I said but I think a stipend would definitely benefit many people and save many lives both animal and human.
Why should these children(and adults) be allowed to pop put child after child and receive benefits and never go out and get a job? They are given housing, food, money, Child care benefits and more. Now I hear people are being given money for them to have cell phones. What? And a few extra dollars a week for pets is too much too ask?
Here's a little trick you might be able to pull off.. If you shop with coupons. Conveniently FORGET to hand them to the cashier, then go up to the service desk after your order and get cash back for them. (you have to show your receipt of course so make sure you have purchased all you have coupons for) But you may be able to have a few extra bucks cash that way then you can go and use to buy the pets some food. :-)
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Oct 10
You're so right about women popping out kid after kid just to continue getting benefits. They do that around here...many women get that WIC program where they can get different food items, even formula (which ain't cheap!)---you should see the army of kids these women have.
Great idea about the coupons but the nearby supermarket near me doesn't take coupons...would you believe that?
@minx267 (15527)
• Hartford, Connecticut
19 Oct 10
They Don't Take Coupons??!!!! that is so un-American!
btw I am currently as we speak finally uploading (to youtube) a video or a few of my Precious.. the kitty with the Neurological damage.. I will post it to yours and Tiny Timmy's FB page as soon as it's done. It's so cute it's of her and my kitten precious playing n the back yard.
@GardenGerty (160696)
• United States
30 Sep 10
Most of the people I know who get food stamps do not get enough to even feed themselves. They cannot get cash back any place that I know of. Some people do purchase food and then can find a way to return it for cash.(I have seen them do that with WIC benefits until they started marking the purchases) It is sad that the people who have pets cannot afford to care for them. I have actually found that people food at times is less expensive than animal food and healthier for the pets, but that is another story. Many low income people have to check with food pantries and other helping agencies to provide personal care items. I still do not want to see a benefit that pays for pet food, unless perhaps the animal is deemed a service animal. That is how some of my adult disabled clients are allowed to have pets, the doctor writes a note of medical necessity for a companion animal. Unfortunately the animals do not always get treated as well as they should by these owners.
1 person likes this
@marsha32 (6631)
• United States
30 Sep 10
that's a tough one...in his case, the dog is there to help with his life, so I can see some sort of help should be offered to ensure the dog is fed.
I agree with your whole heartedly on that everyone should be able to have a pet if they want one. They are so beneficial. I've gone without a cat in my life for over a year. The rules of this house are steep on keeping everything up.
I bit the bullet and gave up some things so that I could get the kitten. He's cost me over $150 so far in vet bills alone by the house rules.....but I wouldn't trade it. He's good to go on everything for another year now vet wise.
I am upset however, that the owner of the house is trying to take over MY cat. (she lives upstairs and we rent her basement and she has a cat of her own that is stand offish except to her)
yeah, that's a whole other story, and you can see that I am frustrated by it, so I will quit my rant...and get back to earning so hopefully myself, my daughter and our cat can find some other place to live.
Marsha
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
2 Oct 10
Here's hoping you can move out from that situation. I think I remember elsewhere you mentioned all the problems you were having with the owner of the house
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
30 Sep 10
Hi there Pye,
Great topic! I actually do think that Pet food should be included. The pets are a part of the family and they do have to eat. I have seen many people buy people food for their pets with food stamps simply because they do not have enough cash. What a waste that is and not to mention it spoils the animal and may not even be healthy for it. I think all states now have the debit card for food stamps. Someone on complete welfare does get some cash on their card as well but I don't believe it is a lot. To be perfectly honest, I would rather see the food stamp aspect of the program changed to something like "basic needs stamps" and not only include pet food but things like soap, paper towel, toilet paper etc. Most people get their pets at a time when things are going better for them financially. Should they just get rid of them because they have fallen on to tough times? And in the case of the man you used as an example....He absolutely NEEDS his dog.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
19 Oct 10
Yes I could never understand why food stamp benefits don't cover things like soap, toilet paper, etc. Since those items are taxable it does add up
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
30 Sep 10
I know that some people do buy people food for their cats using foodstamps. In some states, people also qualify for cash benefits and they sometimes get cash back when making purchases. I guess it depends on the state you live in on what benefits are available. I think the TANF money is only available to people who have kids, but don't quote me on that. I qualified for food stamps, but didn't get the cash benefits because I don't have kids. I think there should be a benefit program for feeding service animals if the person qualifies for food stamps, but that it should be funded separately from the food stamps, but possibly on the EBT card.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
2 Oct 10
I can never understand why some people can get cash back from their food stamps every month, I can't. The only time I can is through a program via my heating bill. Once a year they deposit $50 at the beginning of the year...but that's it for the whole year...I use that to pay bills with not pet food...LOL
@lynnemg (4529)
• United States
30 Sep 10
I can see and relate to both sides of the issue. I have a pet and she is a life-saver. Seriously, since we have gotten her, my stress level has decreased and I feel much better. My kids are much more calm as well. Being a low-income family, I often wish that her food was covered as well, but, of course, it is not...or is it? I have looked on-line and found many recipes for homemade food for animals and they all use regular food to make. So, in essence, if you are willing to make your pet's food you can actually have their food covered as well.
I, for one, rarely have the extra, nor the time to make my puppy's food, but if I did, I would surely go this route because it would be cheaper in the long-run. I really wish that there was a program for pets to help cover their medical and food because they are so beneficial to a family. I especially think that if a person has a service pet, there should be a program to help cover those costs. Of course, there should be limitations, such as no more than one or two pets per family when the family is receiving assistance for their pet. A program like this would help to assure the health of pets as well as help to curb over-breeding and animal hoarding.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Sep 10
Yes I can't imagine life without my cat and yes too, in the past sometimes I have resorted to cooking food for her. Some pets though are special needs...like that disabled veteran and his service dog which from the article I understand the dog needs special pet foods. I just don't think people should have to sacrifice on their pets...that's how many pets wind up being dumped in shelters
@canaussie (221)
• Australia
30 Sep 10
This is a good discussion. I reckon the government should subsidize additional food stamps for service pets for disabled people. I know about pets being beneficial to those suffering from acute diseases too. However, I think if the person or family has only enough food to sustain their needs, they should not take anymore responsibility of adopting pets. It`s like adopting human, a living thing at that and unable to provide the basic needs.
In another part of the world, I know a family of 8 living in one roof (no, their not living in US but in one of those poor countries) they have 6 cats, 4 dogs, pigeons etc., in their backyard. They could hardly buy food for themselves and most of the time ask or borrow from their relatives to pay for this and that. I think it is cruel to the animals and absolutely ridiculous taking in more responsibilities where they can`t even provide enough for themselves.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
30 Sep 10
The thing is, what if a person becomes disabled needs assistance such as benefits like food stamps after having a pet for years? Should a person just abandon the pet, dump it in a shelter? Yes it's one thing when a person needs benefits and then they decide to adopt a pet out of the blue when barely able to fulfill their needs, but think it's a different matter when a person has had a pet for years and years--my cat for instance is ten years old
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