Foreclosure Victims Urged to Remember Pets When Relocating

Foreclosure Victims Urged to Remember Pets When Relocating

With a foreclosure crisis sweeping the nation, The Humane Society of the United States www.hsus.org [HSUS] is disturbed by reports that some residents forced out of their homes are simply leaving their pets behind. The HSUS urges all pet owners faced with foreclosure to take their pets with them when they relocate.

"Abandoning pets, for any reason, is not only irresponsible – it is illegal," said Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for companion animals at The HSUS. "Pet owners may feel financially unable to care for their pets or are overwhelmed by a sudden move, but there are many alternatives to leaving pets behind. For those in need of help, we offer tips on easing the financial burden of pet ownership and finding pet-friendly housing."

Abandoned pets face a grim future. Many pets trapped inside abandoned homes aren't found until they're on the brink of starvation. Those lucky enough to reach a shelter have about a 50 percent chance of being adopted.

Shain said, "No one likes to think of leaving their pet at a shelter, but if you can't take him with you, it is by far more humane than leaving them in an apartment or a house alone. Too many animals die alone this way every year. If people are absolutely unable to care for their pet any longer, they should take him or her to their local animal shelter or animal control agency. The shelter can provide food and housing while they try and locate a new home."

These outcomes can be avoided by planning ahead as much as possible and finding pet-friendly housing. The following steps can help in the search for pet-friendly rental housing:

~ Give yourself enough time. If possible, check ads and contact real estate agents and rental agencies at least six weeks before you plan to move or when you first learn that foreclosure and/or eviction may be in your future.

~ Make use of available resources. Contact the humane society or animal care and control agency serving the area into which you are moving; the agency may be able to provide you with a list of apartment communities that allow pets.

~ Gather proof that you're responsible. The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. This can include statements from current property managers and neighbors that you maintain your pet responsibly, as well as copies of veterinary records showing ongoing pet care.

~ Get it in writing. Once you have permission from a landlord, manager or condominium committee to have a pet, be sure to get it in writing. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property and the pets themselves.

Individuals facing financial hardships can reduce the cost of pet ownership in many ways. Some tips include:

~ While buying expensive toys and accessories has become a popular way to demonstrate your attachment to your pet, your pet can be just as happy with less expensive toys or homemade toys. They need your love and attention more than a pricey product. Tips for inexpensive toys can be found at humanesociety.org by searching on "dog toys" or "cat toys."

~ Keep your pets safe inside or on a leash while walking outside. Animals allowed to roam freely are more prone to accidents and resulting veterinary bills.

~ Let your veterinarian know that finances are tight and ask that he or she prescribe only the most vital vaccinations to keep your pet healthy.

~ Consider pet health insurance to minimize the shock of an expensive bill from the veterinarian in case of an unexpected illness or injury.

For more tips on finding pet-friendly housing please visit humanesociety.org/rentwithpets. For more information on low-cost pet care tips please visit humanesociety.org and search for "veterinary care".

SOURCE: "Reprinted by permission of The Humane Society of the United States." http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/foreclosure_victims_urged_to_remember_pets_010708.html, January 7, 2008

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SOME LOCAL ANIMAL RESOURCES:

Shelters:

Upper Valley Humane Society

300 Old Route 10

Enfield, NH 03748

Phone (603) 448-6888; Fax (603) 448-0180

Web Site: www.uvhs.org; Email:

Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society

P.O. Box 702

4832 RT 44

W. Windsor VT 05037

Phone: 802-484-5829

Email:

Or to find a shelter near you, http://www.petfinder.com/shelters.html

Vets:

Hanover Veterinary Clinic

391 N Main St # 393, West Lebanon, NH 03784

Phone: 603-643-3313

Holistic Veterinary Center

34 West Street

Concord, NH 03301

Phone: 603-225-9680

Web: http://www.holisticvetcenter.com/

Riverbend Veterinary Clinic

7 River Rd

Plainfield, NH 03781

Phone: 603-298-8381

Upper Valley Veterinary Services

7 Slayton Hill Rd, Lebanon, NH 03766

Phone: 603-448-2308

Veremedy

829 Hartford Avenue

White River Junction, Vermont 05001-8052

Phone: 802-295-6900

Or do your own search:

… in New Hampshire:

http://directory.nh.com/

…in Vermont:

http://search.live.com/results.aspx?q=veterinarians+vt&form=QBRE

Other Resources:

Angels Among Us Pet Hostel, www.angelsamonguspethostel.org

Provides a safe and loving temporary shelter for family pets while the owner is unable to care for them due to illness, hospitalization or displacement.

(February, 2008)