Episode Details

We’re honored to welcome Andrew Rowan, DPhil, to the podcast this week for a critical conversation about companion dogs and poverty. Dr. Rowan has a long tenure in the animal protection movement and is currently the President of WellBeing International, an NGO dedicated to achieving optimal wellbeing for animals, people, and the environment. He joins us today for a discussion about a recent book that he co-authored with Arnold Arluke, Underdogs: Pets, People, and Poverty. Based on a study that involves two communities, one in the United States and one in Central America, Underdogs examines the role that income inequality plays in how people relate to their companion animals across countries and cultures. Dr. Rowan discusses the realities of accessing veterinary care and outlines the barriers members of low-income communities often face when seeking medical care for their companion animals. Plus, Dr. Rowan shares how different organizations in the US and abroad are working to improve the lives of animals living in poverty. 

*We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read Mariann’s interview with Andrew Rowan.*

Andrew Rowan founded the Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy and started the first graduate degree in the world on animals and public policy in 1995. He is the founding editor of Anthrozoos and author and editor of numerous books on human-animal issues, including the four-volume State of the Animals series. He is president of WellBeing International, a new NGO seeking solutions for people, animals, and the environment.

“Poverty affects not just people, but the animals they share their homes with.” – Andrew Rowan

Highlights for Episode 658: 

• Key contrasts between the lives of animals when they live with wealthy guardians vs. guardians living in poverty
• Underdogs’ focus on two specific locations, one in the US and the other in Costa Rica, and fundamental aspects of poverty such as limited access to affordable, basic vet care
• Why pets in low-income communities are less likely to be sterilized
• How the shelters El Refugio in Costa Rica and the Humane Society of Charlotte, NC are funded to support low-income guardians
• How shelters have changed the way Costa Ricans deal with their companion animals in interesting and helpful ways
• Some of the barriers, in addition to finances, that keep people from going to an animal shelter
• The importance of modeling gold standard care for companion animals