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Pets Are ‘Forgotten Victims’ Of Foreclosure Crisis

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One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of our sagging economy is the effect that it has on our four-footed friends. Thousand of precious animals have become forgotten victims of the economic downturn and the housing foreclosure crisis. Animal shelters, rescue groups and animal care and control agencies are seeing an increase in surrendered animals as homeowners struggle to make living arrangements that may or may not include their pets.

Life circumstances are forcing people to make decisions they never thought they’d have to make. Given the strong bond we have with our pets, children and adults who are forced to part with their beloved animals face devastating emotional issues. It’s especially sad for elderly people who want to keep their animals, who are sometimes their only companion.

Experts say that if people believe they may find themselves in a financial crunch, they should start planning early for pet care. The American Humane Society offers tips for homeowners, mortgage lenders and shelters that may be feeling the impact of meeting new demands. The American Humane Society also is offering grants to shelters and animal welfare organizations to help care for and find solutions for animal victims of this national crisis.

First and foremost, take your pets with you when you vacate your home. They are not likely to survive if abandoned in the home or set loose. Domesticated animals can’t survive on their own. They can get hit by cars, stalked by larger animals or they might slowly starve to death.

Follow these steps to find safe placement for your pets if you are unable to vacate your home with them:

• Ask family, friends and co-workers if they will care for your pets while you relocate.

• Ask your veterinarian if you can receive low-cost boarding for your pets, or set up a payment plan for boarding costs, while you relocate.

• If you cannot find temporary placement for your pets, visit www.petfinder.com to search for animal shelters and animal rescue organizations in your area where you can surrender ownership of your pets and which do not euthanize adoptable animals. This will provide peace of mind that your pets will be safe until they are adopted into a new home. Some shelters and organizations may offer to house your pets for a period of time (60 days, for example) at no cost, or at a reduced cost, while you find new housing, so you can be reunited with your pets. If you do not reclaim your pets within the time period, they may be placed for adoption. Always ask if this is an option.

If you are one of the lucky ones who is not facing foreclosure, consider opening your heart and your home to these displaced pets!