With home foreclosures on the rise, pets are often the silent victims of the state of our downtrodden economy. Many people who cannot afford to keep their homes are forced to move to lower-cost apartments that do not allow pets. These pets are then given up or, worse, abandoned. There are shelters and animal rescues in the nation that have created foreclosure programs, much like safekeeping programs, that allow owners to leave their pets temporarily while they can make arrangements to find a new home that allows pets. Unfortunately most shelters and animal rescues do not have the space or foster homes to sustain such a program indefinitely. It's best to find a friend or family member who can help in such a situation, but it is never humane to just leave your pets behind or release them outside to fend for themselves. Pets are domesticated animals that do not have the skill or know-how to fend for themselves and survive on their own. Pets don't know the state of the economy and cannot understand why one day their beloved guardian is showering them with love and feeding them daily and the next they are without the affection and protection they need.
Find pet-friendly housing in Arlington, Virginia and the Washington, DC area.
Find pet-friendly housing in Arlington, Virginia and the Washington, DC area.
3 comments:
It's not just home foreclosures that affect pets; it is also the state of the economy. Last week my cat's dental bill came to $660.00. I noticed the cost of a nail trim had also risen in the past month. It unfortunately is becoming an expensive luxury to own and care for a pet. I would hope that the veterinarians are not raising their prices unnecessarily.
Hi--Can you possibly tell me if AWLA has received any animals from folks in foreclosure situations?
Fortunately for the people and the pets of our community, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington has not seen any pets surrendered due to home foreclosures.
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