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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think that poor people shouldn't be able to afford pets?

143 replies

tellmesomethingtrue · 28/12/2024 20:20

Why do people who claim to be poor or say moneys tight, then buy pets? I genuinely can't understand this logic.
AIBU to think that if you can't afford a basic house DIY or to buy your kids uniform, then you therefore can't afford pets?

OP posts:
Cherrypickled · 28/12/2024 20:28

🥱

TheGoogleMum · 28/12/2024 20:28

We bought the cats when our circumstances were better. We do still have insurance for them and take them for their vaccines however

theduchessofspork · 28/12/2024 20:27

Definitely no pets

or children

or popcorn

disgraceful

Msmoonpie · 28/12/2024 20:27

In simple terms yes you’d be correct.

However circumstances change and when the do there is a dilemma. Keep the pet that they love (and presumably is also attached to them) and hope circumstances change again for the better or try and rehome it ?

It could be argued that rehoming a pet should be a last resort and to do so immediately is not very responsible of the owner.

Edenmum2 · 28/12/2024 20:27

This one's been done OP

MumChp · 28/12/2024 20:27

Reported. No need to shame poor people.

Bookaholic73 · 28/12/2024 20:27

Why don’t people realise that you can go from being wealthy to being poor in a matter of minutes.
What do you suggest, that everyone who falls on hard times just gives up their pets?

Hesonlyakidharry · 28/12/2024 20:26

Microgal · 28/12/2024 20:21

Wait…wait…I’m getting my popcorn 🍿

Why? If someone says they are so poor that they can’t afford to get their kid’s uniform or suitably feed their family then it’s not unreasonable to say that they cannot afford a pet. Pets are expensive (if you are a responsible and good owner). So, if you are on a low income with lots of financial pressure then you cannot afford a pet. It’s a luxury. Just like you cannot afford a luxury holiday. Or most holidays actually!

MrsSethGecko · 28/12/2024 20:26

I got my dog before my circumstances changed, and she's a rescue, but yes I wouldn't get a dog if I couldn't afford the essentials.

InfoSecInTheCity · 28/12/2024 20:26

I know only 1 person who this applies to and honestly she makes poor choices in general. Currently living in a 2 bed tiny tiny bungalow with 3 kids because moved in a partner and his 2 kids and since moving them in has also bought 3 designer breed puppies and 2 cats. Regularly pleads poverty on FB while simultaneously showing off heaping piles of gifts she's bought for the kids.

I think most people either have pets before finding themselves in financial distress in which case I can completely understand not wanting to lose them, or they choose not to have pets.

Microgal · 28/12/2024 20:26

Blinsi · 28/12/2024 20:25

Why? OP is correct. No need for popcorn.

Show quote history

Because I know there’ll be a hoard of others who disagree!!…and i like popcorn

Timeforsnacks · 28/12/2024 20:26

The only people I know who have pets are ones who were in debt and then decided to get pets and then complain about the cost of the pet or allow the pet to go without. It's heartbreaking to be honest and I also can't understand the logic

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 28/12/2024 20:25

I’m not sure we would have been classed as “poor” but when DP was made redundant in the pandemic and things were very financially tight, there was no way we would have considered giving up our cat. We were lucky that we had good insurance had we needed expensive vet bills (which thankfully we didn’t) and would have cut back on other things if it had come down to it.

Blinsi · 28/12/2024 20:25

Microgal · 28/12/2024 20:21

Wait…wait…I’m getting my popcorn 🍿

Why? OP is correct. No need for popcorn.

Wordau · 28/12/2024 20:24

Yanbu, people should not stretch themselves financially to get an expensive pet, and should do thorough research into costs before committing. Ditto with anything costly and non essential IMO.

mitogoshigg · 28/12/2024 20:22

Getting a designer dog or looking after the cat they already have? The two aren't the same

VelvetWildflower · 28/12/2024 20:21

I agree with you OP and I was a poor person with pets.

Microgal · 28/12/2024 20:21

Wait…wait…I’m getting my popcorn 🍿