Pet owners facing tough times with foreclosures
I sent out a newsletter last year regarding the subject of pets and foreclosures. Cheryl Hanna from the Rescue Examiner reminds us that 1,000,000+ pets this year will be affected by foreclosures. I have a Labrador Retriever and 2 cats. The loss of them would be difficult to swallow.
If you have pets or know someone that does, take the time to read the entire article.
Pet owners facing tough times with foreclosures
Pet Rescue Examiner Cheryl Hanna
According to the ASPCA, one million pets could lose their homes this year due to tough economic conditions. With 63% of US households having at least one pet, it is up to us as responsible owners to provide proper care, reciprocal respect and love when faced with tough financial decisions pertaining to our pets.
In order to keep a pet with us when facing home foreclosure, it is necessary to start planning well in advance. Start with saving money. Ask your vet if there is a less expensive, but still nutritious pet food you can use. When supplies are needed, go to thrift stores or garage sales. In order to save on veterinarian bills, just get the most vital vaccinations and preventative health care. Always keep your dog on a leash; safety is a great way to keep medical emergencies to a minimum. Sometimes pet insurance on young animals is very cost effective and can minimize the shock and cost of an unexpected injury.
When looking for a new place to live, utilize the internet and locate real estate agents who specialize in pet friendly properties. Apartments have to accept children, but do not have to accept pets. Find websites that list pet friendly rentals. If the landlord is reluctant to allow a pet, provide documentation that shows you are a responsible owner. Show the landlord veterinarian records of vaccinations, spay/neuter, and rabies certificates. Ask your vet for a reference letter to show a landlord how you are a responsible pet owner. Reach out to family, friends, and co-workers to temporarily care for your pet until you find a new home.
Never underestimate the power of local assistance to help you keep your pet. Pet food pantries have become popular since it is less expensive to subsidize food expenses than taking in someone’s pet. There are also low cost veterinarian care available, boarding facilities and placement services. The Pet Pantry in Richmond Virginia’s SPCA provides food for those owners suffering financial hardships.
The Humane Society of the United States has a Pet Foreclosure Fund, and $80,000 in grants are available through local non-profit organizations to help organize food banks, subsidize veterinarian care, low cost spay and neuter programs, foster care and provide help with security deposits for animal friendly rentals.
There are also organizations that can provide temporary placement and can search for animal shelter and organizations in your area where you can surrender ownership of your pets which do not euthanize adoptable animals. At www.petfinder.com, you can be connected to a shelter who will care for your pet up to 60 days for no cost, and then you can be reunited. If you do not reclaim your pet, the animal will be put up for adoption. Some organizations are also able to find foster homes for temporary care until you get yourself re-established.
If you plan to put your pet up for adoption, never place an ad, “Free to Good Home.” Always ask for an adoption fee and write out a contract so you have peace of mind that your pet has been offered some written protection by you.
Be aware that local animal control and humane society shelters that offer local open admission and accepts all animals ( strays too) do not guarantee adoption. If the shelter is overcrowded, your pet may be facing euthanasia no matter what breed, what age or what temperament. It is absolutely critical you always ask questions before surrendering your pet.
There are many options people have for their pets when faced with foreclosure, but don’t ever leave an animal behind to fend for themselves. There are too many horror stories of dogs and cats patiently waiting for their families to return while they slowly die of starvation and dehydration. A dog or cat can become dehydrated within 24 hours without water and could die in extreme heat within a few days. Animals have been deserted and found tied to trees, and thrown away like trash and dumped in the “country.”
In all states animal abandonment is considered neglect and animal abuse, and in some states an owner could face felony animal cruelty charges with mandatory prison time and fines. There is no excuse to abandon an animal; some consider it the highest form of animal cruelty.