Coping with Foreclosure with Family Pets

The number of animals abandoned or surrendered due to economic hardships has increased across the country, when families find themselves without other options.  Some families take advantage of shelters to temporarily  board their family pets with homes of picking them up in a few days or weeks.  Although, local authorities are finding an increase in the number of pets abandoned by their owners.

In Arkansas, 3 dogs were sadly found starved to death in their kennels.  The homeowners left their dogs behind when they moved.  Two dogs in San Diego were left at a vacant home for several months but survived.   In Downy, California, 4 birds were found abandoned in their cages.

Abandonment is never the answer as there is always a humane option, such as taking the pet to a local shelter or asking your vet for  low-cost boarding.

For homeowners to relocate with their bets, the American Humane Society  has put together some safety placement options:

1) Search for rentals that will allow pets

2) If you cannot take your vet, ask your veterinarian if you can receive low-cost boarding for your pet or setup a payment plan.

3) Check with http://petfinder.com for a list of shelters or rescue organizations in the area that can help board your animal or accept for adoption.

4) Strongly consider taking your pet with you as their comfort and companionship can help with the strain of the move.

Neighbors can help toL

Often a neighbor can help alert authorities and animal welfare groups of an abandoned animal before it is too late.  Neighbors should listen for animal sounds, look in windows, check with other neighbors and be on the lookout for signs that the previous homeowner had a pet.

The Amercian Humane Society is also quick to note that animals left behind or simply set free will probably not survive.  It could be weeks or months before the lender will visit the abandoned home and that will be too long for the animal to go without food and water.

These are our family pets and they count on us to take care of them.