Mortgage Crisis Affects Pets When homeowners lose their house to foreclosure it also means their pets may have to look for a new home - and a new owner.
Speaking of Pets April 26, 2008
by Mindy Norton
Spring is the season when animal shelters begin to fill up with puppies and kittens, surrendered by owners who neglected to have their pets spayed or neutered.
But this year, many shelters are filling up with adult animals turned in by loving owners who find they can no longer afford to keep their best friends.
Foreclosures as a result of the mortgage crisis are forcing some people out of their homes.
Folks may be moving in with friends or family, or into smaller houses or apartments, and their pets are not welcome or allowed.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a situation like this, here are a few suggestions.
If you have enough time, look for pet-friendly rental housing. Talk to real estate agents – ask your friends – see if anyone knows of a place that might allow pets.
Try to find another home for your pet, even temporarily while you try to make other arrangements.
Check with a local adoption group to see if they would accept your pet and find it a new home.
If you cannot find a place for your pet, do not abandon it in hopes that someone will take it in.
An animal suddenly put out in an unfamiliar area will become fearful and wary, not showing any of the typical friendly behavior you may be used to seeing at home. It becomes hungry and thirsty, and eventually sick.
Very few abandoned animals ever find homes.
And if you are losing your home to foreclosure, do not leave your pet behind in hopes that whoever gets the keys will care for it.
Your pet could be locked up for days or weeks, starving to death, alone in an empty home.
Take it to an animal shelter, where it might have a chance to find a new owner. If not, at least it will not suffer a slow, painful death.
The following websites have some useful information and tips if you or someone you know is facing the dilemma of trying to find a home for their pet:
And you might consider adopting one of those adult animals.
They were once someone's best friend, and could be yours, if only they're given a chance, when you're speaking of pets.
Speaking of Pets with host Mindy Norton (pets@apr.org) is for people who care about pets and about humane treatment for animals in general, and who want to celebrate that special relationship between us and our animal companions. Find out more about Speaking of Pets at Alabama Public Radio.
