Home Foreclosures Lead to Abandoned Animals
The abandoned pets are overwhelming animal shelters and drawing fury from bloggers, especially, as photos of emaciated animals circulate on the internet.
The first people to enter an abandoned house, such as property inspectors and real estate brokers, have discovered dogs tied to trees in backyards, cats in garages, and turtles, rabbits and lizards in children’s bedrooms.
No one keeps track of the numbers of abandoned pets, but anecdotal evidence suggests that forsaken animals are becoming a problem wherever foreclosures are climbing. The situation has become so widespread that the Humane Society is urging home owners faced with foreclosure to take their animals to a shelter.
Shelters are trying to keep up, but the spike in abandoned pets comes at a time when fewer people are adopting animals. Home sales are plunging to their lowest level in decades, and new homewoners are often the most likely to seek a pet.
The mortgage crisis showed few signs of easing after a real estate tracking company announced that many homeowners started to fall behind on mortgage payments in the last three months, setting the stage for more foreclosures this year.
The problem is exacerbated because most people grappling with foreclosure are returning to rental housing or moving in with relatives-two situations where it can be difficult or impossible to bring pets.
The ASPCA offers this advice for people who are faced with foreclosure and the loss of their pets.
1. See if friends, family or neighbors can provide temporary foster care for your pet until you get back on your feet.
2. If you are moving into a rental property, make sure pets are allowed. (Get written permission in advance)
3. Contact your local animal shelter, humane society or rescue group before you move. If a shelter agrees to take your pet, provide medical records, behavior information and anything else that might help your pet find a new home.
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March 28th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Great job on your blog, Haline. After reading your article on hot water heaters, I wanted to know if you have any information about the new solar hot water heater? Also, we have read about the “on demand” water heaters and would like to know something about them, too.
Thank you for your expertise. We are in the process of updating and upgrading our home with a focus on environmental friendly features and this kind of info is great.
April 8th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Dear Real Estate Lover,
thanks for your comment. Solar water heaters-also called solar domestic hot water systems-can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for
your home. They can be used in any climate, and the fuel they use-sunshine- is free. Solar water heating systems include storage tanks
and solar collectors. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which do
not. For more info on new efficient types of water heaters please check
this website: www.eere.energy.gov
April 9th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Thank you for the great info, Haline. Keep up the good work in screening the green options available. I LOVE your blog today and the photo is hilarious.