Underdogs w/ Andrew Rowan

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. 

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.

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