Foreclosures and How it affects Pets

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Comment by Barbara and Ruby the 'Silky' one on September 15, 2008 at 3:06pm

Saturday had a man come in wanting to turn over his 'deployed' sons pit bull mix 9 week old puppy. Seems he bought it knowing he was leaving and his girlfriend was supposed to take care of it. She saw the boyfriend off at the airport and then said she couldn't take the pup. She said she had been foreclosed on and was moving to an apt and couldn't afford the pet deposits.
I recently heard a 13% increase year to date over last year for dogs surrendered to the humane societies. Have we seen an increase in purebred designer type dogs under the age of 4? It seems like it

Comment by Deborah on September 15, 2008 at 9:20am

I asked about this a couple of months ago at the Oregon Humane Society. At that time, the rate of people giving up pets in Oregon (according to the statewide shelter statistics) was basically unchanged from the year before. I think some people have always turned in pets because of economic circumstances. I haven't seen any indication that, at least in Oregon, it's been any unusual trend.

Comment by Mickie Aerne-Bowe on September 14, 2008 at 6:48pm

Hi Barbara, You know this is a HOT topic at SPOT. Thank you for having the foresite to start the board. I really hope we can gather some accurate data on this so that we can work together to help the best we can, it isn't just our dogs and cats, this is reaching all walks for 4 legged life!

Comment by Leslie Jones on September 14, 2008 at 5:45pm

Below is a press release from HSUS with tips for helpding animals effected by foreclosure...


PRESS RELEASE
January 7, 2008

With a foreclosure crisis sweeping the nation, The Humane Society of the United States 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.

Additional information:
In the past week, there have been a number of articles about the plight of “foreclosure pets.”
Read more about animals left behind by homeowners:
Foreclosures Lead to Abandoned Animals
Pets Left Homeless by Foreclosure
Dogs, Cats Latest Victims of Subprime-Mortgage Mess
Owners Lose Home, and Pets Suffer Too
One group of volunteers established a website called Foreclosure Cats to help adopt 60 cats left homeless when their owner was evicted from his house in Cincinnati.

Comment by Leslie Jones on September 14, 2008 at 5:40pm

As a Realtor, I have always found (and rescued) animals left behind in real estate transitions. It is no coincidence that so many Realtors are active in animal rescue.

I try and be proactive. If I am working with a seller in distress, I'll ask about plans for the pets and offer resoursces - we all know planning ahead can save a lot of pets from being homeless. When showing property I am always on the look out for abandoned pets, talk with neighbors and ask the listing agent if they know what is going on.

Since our real estate market is still fairly healthy, I think we've been spared the huge number of vacant/foreclosed houses left with little or no activity or oversight. In my experience, foreclosed properties are getting put on the market and tended to fairly quickly. I wonder about some more rural areas, and if Realtors in those areas are running across the horror of an animal lock in a house for too long. let's hope not.

Comment by Terri Wilson on September 14, 2008 at 4:57pm

Yes,. I believe the beautiful, sweet Sheltie I found through Oregon Dog Rescue was a victim of being left behind with a house sale. I can't imagine how anyone could be so thoughtless. Thank heaven there are groups like Oregon Dog Rescue. Our little Callie is the best family addition and we are grateful to have found him. We hate to think of other dogs being left behind, when they thought they were members of their family too. Being a Realtor, I always recommend sellers check with friends, visit Oregon Dog Rescue and similar places to try and find homes for their dogs if they're unable to take them in the move.

Comment by Barbara and Ruby the 'Silky' one on September 14, 2008 at 3:22pm

Here are some foreclosure statistics for Oregon. We have only had a couple of dogs come to Oregon Dog Rescue that the owner surrendering indicated it was because of foreclosure. Many people don’t want to say that is the reason. Others are just walking away and I have heard some real estate agents say they found a dog or cat in an empty house. I know the Oregon Humane Society is tracking some numbers and I have included some information they shared. I think this would be a good topic and a way to let people know that rather than abandon their pet, there are rescues and agencies that will take and rehome the pet. I also noticed the Humane Society has a list of landlords that accept pets. That is a huge reason someone losing their home gives up the pet. They can’t find affordable housing that allows the pet or the pet deposits (non refundable usually) are so high they can’t pay them.
• State Population: 3,641,056
• Households: 1,558,421
• Median Home Price: $272,272
• State Foreclosure Trend:
OREGON TRENDS JUN. YTD.
New Foreclosure Filings 779 8,601
Foreclosure Sales 257 1,255