How to Save Abandoned Pets After Foreclosure

Sadly, there are often cases of pets being abandoned after home foreclosure. With the foreclosure crisis sweeping the United States—this is definitely something we need to be concerned about. Of course, pets can’t fend for themselves—and are often found dehydrated and on the brink of starvation. The following are ways to help prevent pets from being abandoned—and to save pets that have been left behind.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ask owners of any homes in your neighborhood that you know are being foreclosed on and have pets, if they are taking their pets with them, and if not, whether or not they made plans for their pets.

2. Let them know there are realtors that specialize in pet-friendly properties and websites that list pet-friendly rentals if they say they are uncertain whether they will take their pets with them.

3. Try to find a home or put the word out about their pet(s) if they are planning to give them up and don't have a home lined up. There are two great websites that list pets up for adoption throughout North America: Petfinder.com and Adopt a Pet.com (see Resources below). You would need to contact a local shelter or rescue group to see if they will list the pet, because neither site allows individuals to lists pets up for adoption. There is also a great organization called No Paws Left Behind that works to help keep pets with their families, as well as assists with abandoned pets (see Resources below). They will at least be able to provide you or the owners with resources including no-kill shelters in the area that may possibly take the pet. If it’s a purebred dog, there may be a rescue for that particular breed that might be able to take the dog or at least provide resources.

4. Leave animal rescue literature in the mailbox or in a visible spot, just to be safe, especially if you can't get in direct contact with the owners. It’s better to offend than to do nothing at all.

5. Check on the home once the occupants have moved out to see if any pets were left inside or tied up in the backyard. If you find pets, call the local Humane Society, your city's animal control or the police. If you suspect pets are inside, but don’t know for sure, contact the phone number listed on the "For Sale" sign or a local neighborhood real estate agent and ask if they would inspect the house for abandoned pets. They will more than likely be happy to help.

6. Provide a small amount of water if you find a pet that is dehydrated, and watch him drink it. Some pets can become so thirsty and weak that they can drown in a water bowl. Call a vet before offering food.

Tips & Warnings

• Animal cruelty and abandonment is against the law. If you suspect a pet is in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to call the police, your city's animal control or the local Humane Society.
• Dogs and cats become dehydrated within 24 hours without water and could die in extreme heat within a few days.

Resources

• Petfinder.com
• Adopt a Pet.com
• No Paws Left Behind

[kiratrever]

on 11/5/2008 Great tips. Also, many cities have no-kill facilities, and these are very worthy of supporting.

[htdjaeverything]

on 10/9/2008 Ooops,what I was trying to say was....and now I'm gonna hug the best thing that ever happened to me-my dog LITTLEBOY!Thank's.Now I get to hug him again!!!

[htdjaeverything]

on 10/9/2008 I am sobbing right now at this very moment...that's twice today.I really get so emotional at add's like your's and that one Sarah McGlaucin commercial about neglected and abused animal's.Now I'm gonna hug my dog-he's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me.And,Thank you for helping us keep aware.Martine Holden and my best buddy and other 1/2 LITTLEBOY(my dog.)THANK'S.

[cmoorecole]

on 10/1/2008 I am one of those desperate people who can't support my pets anymore and one of then was a rescue! I took him from a family who had 6 dogs living in the back yard and he had developed behaviors that made him ineligible for the Humane Society - because he had had to fight for enough to eat, or to protect what he had. Now he needs vet care for a cyst, but I can barely afford to feed him and my other dog right now. I can't imagine what kind of person just abandons a dog. At least they have me to look after them, even if I can't give them the best life. I would adopt them out to the right people, but times are so bad right now, I'm not getting any takers for the ads I've posted with the services I got from referrals at the Humane Society. With headlines and news like we're getting these days, I think the average family with the means to adopt a dog, while they may be wonderful enough to adop

[CaptainRondo]

on 10/1/2008 Thanks for bring this all too familiar problem to the forefront. I have had the privlage of caring for two abondonded dogs;on left from a divorce and the other just left in deplorable conditions after the sale of a house. Fortuneatly,they were rescued and placed in loving homes. The animals need a voice, and we are it. Please,please be aware of the situations in your own neighbor hood. Check things out daily while walking your own dog, and please don't be afraid to get involved. Pet abuse is an epidemic. Thanks