Tehama Country Real Estate

Tehama Country Real Estate – 3 The Domino Effect: Rise in Foreclosures Means Potential Problems for Pets slow real estate market have on family pets? It seems quite a lot. As homeowners are forced to vacate their homes because they are no longer able to pay their mortgages, many pets are landing in animal shel- ters. Others are simply left behind. There is no precise num- ber known, nor any method of determining how many pets have been affected by rising foreclosure rates and the volatile housing market. However, with an influx of pets arriving at shel- ters or the reports of abandoned animals grow- ing, animal welfare protec- tors say the effects are enor- mous. Many pet owners sim- ply show up at shelters and say they are moving, offering no specifics. W The Sacramento SPCA, for example, took in 100 more dogs in 2007 than in 2006. Some shel- ters are not being affected, but where neighborhoods are hard- hit by foreclosures, the tendency for individuals to relinquish their pets to shelters is propor- tionately similar. Forced to find apartments or temporary housing, those fore- closed upon are discovering that in most instances pets cannot come along. Many landlords prefer tenants do not have pets because of the potential for dam- age or disturbance in rental properties. Those who do allow pets may put limits on the num- ber and type. For example, some landlords allow a cat but no dogs. In some cases, pets are merely left behind by desperate people. Workers, real estate agents, or well-meaning neighbors discov- er the pet chained up or left to his or her own devices in the abandoned house. Those who are lucky are turned over to shel- ters. But many are unlucky, spend- ing days to weeks without adequate food or water. As more pets are finding their ways into shelters, the problem is compounded with a reduction in pet adoptions. Generally, peo- ple are not bringing home pup- pies or kittens because money is tight. Older dogs, which in good times tend to spend more time in shelters, may seem even less desireable. What we ve always known is that when times are hard for people, they re hard for their pets, says Stephen Zawistowski, a vice president at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. However, there are some steps that pet owners or potential pet owners can take. " While it s not possible to foresee every possible scenario, if your finances are not stable, or the house hold. " If you are facing foreclosure and have a pet, speak with your local animal shelter. They may have programs where you can house the animal at the shelter for a period while you find suit- able, animal-friendly housing. Some shelters even waive the fees associated with such a ser- vice. " Find out if there is a friend or relative who may be able to help out and provide foster care for a pet until you get settled. " A pet is not a piece of prop- erty and should not merely be left behind, warn animal welfare activists. In many states, aban- doning animals is illegal under anti-cruelty laws. You could be prosecuted for abandoning your pet. " Some shelters will even speak on your behalf to land- lords to negotiate for pets. hat effect does the if you re barely mak- ing ends meet, it may not be a good time to bring a pet into

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