Pets Should Get Food Stamps, Online Petitioner Argues

JACKSON, MS — Americans love their pets and spend tens of billions of dollars a year caring for and pampering them. But should the 40,000 low-income or no-income Americans who receive assistance under the federal government's hunger safety net program be able to buy pet food with their benefits? Edward B. Johnston Jr., a 59-year-old man living in Jackson, Mississippi, thinks so, arguing in an online petition that economic circumstances can quickly change and people shouldn't have to give up their pets because they can't afford dog or cat food.

Johnston’s online petition has garnered more than 100,000 signatures — and counting — from people who agree recipients of benefits under the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, should be able to keep their pets from starving, too. SNAP benefits can’t be used for pet food, “leaving poor families with pets in a difficult position,” Johnston writes on The Petition Site.

“I am on of those Americans,” he says. “I have only been on SNAP benefits for a few months, but have been unable to feed my little dog due to government regulations.”

Johnston's argument comes as the USDA considers big changes — extending SNAP benefits to pets isn’t one of them — that would transfer more authority for program administration to states. States already have wide latitude over the program, including requirements that recipients work or look for work to continue receiving benefits.

Johnston knows there are detractors who may argue that people who can’t afford to feed pets shouldn’t have pets.

But, he asks, “Should someone be forced to give up a pet they’ve had for years just because they hit a financial rough patch? Or should they be able to utilize federal aid to continue feeding their pet?”

Johnston argues that pets provide emotional support that is especially comforting when people fall on hard times.

“Being poor is hard enough without being expected to give up your companion,” Johnston writes. “For most people, pets are considered family, not property.”

Among those commenting on the petition is a Texas woman identified as Lynda H., who writes:

“Many people have pets, a lot of senior citizens included depend on food stamps and have no way to feed their pets. Many food pantries do not have pet food to give out, nor do other places that help the needy. Pets often go hungry, and people will feed the pets their own food. It's a heartache to know pets are hungry for these people, it hurts to know their pets are hungry, and no way to get any pet food for them. This would benefit many people and their pets if they could buy pet food with their benefits. Please consider this option for these people and their pets, they would greatly appreciate.”

Lori I., of Florida, notes that poverty can’t always be helped. “My husband was in a terrible accident so we lost our income,” she writes. “I'm not losing my dogs because of it. Food stamps could help.”

Kim F., of New York, adds this:

“I'm a disabled person, my pet is the best thing that I ever done. He lifts my spirit, keeps me feeling that life is important. I was so depressed, now I'm more at peace. I enjoy my life better!! So please help all of us who need help. …”

Tell Us: Should people who receive SNAP food assistance be allowed to buy pet food? Tell us in the comments.

Patch has reached out to Johnston for comment. We’ll update this post if we hear back.

Click here to see the full petition.

Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images News/Getty Images