Foreclosure for Fido and Fluffy

As a dog lover it's hard to imagine, yet a number growing of pets are left behind when a family is forced to leave their home due to foreclosure. Property inspectors and real estate brokers often enter abandoned homes to find starving, emaciated animals amidst the trash and destruction left by angry homeowners.

Some owners can't afford to continue to feed and care for the pet and walk away, with or without remorse. At the last minute they may try to find a home for the pet at a shelter, but shelters in many areas where foreclosures are high are full. When there is room, the owners can't deal with the fact that their pet has a 50% chance of being euthanized and decide to take their chances that "things will work out." They often find that their new housing, whether it's a rental or a relative's home, won't accept the pet. They then may dump the pet off by the side of the road or leave it in the old home to find nourishment from carpet and wallpaper. The pet, hungry, frustrated, and confined, contributes to the destruction of the home.

Pets are not property that should be left behind like a set of old encyclopedias or a worn out mattress, yet that's what is happening. They are part of a growing class of victims of the economic crisis. When the economy is bad, there is usually a drop in pet adoptions as many families who still have their homes realize they cannot afford to feed and maintain a pet. Many well intended people who would step in and rescue some of these abandoned animals are unable to do so.

There are a few things that you as a concerned citizen can do to minimize the impact of foreclosure on pets, even if you cannot take in another animal yourself.

• If you see that a home is in foreclosure in your neighborhood, ask the occupants how they are doing and ask them if they have made plans for their pets. You could offer to put a sign up to adopt the pet in the grocery store or help make arrangements with the local animal shelter.
• After owners have moved out, check to see if animals are left tied in the back yard or if you hear signs of them in the house. If you think that is the case, call the neighborhood specialist at the local real estate agent firm or the police to inspect the home for abandoned pets.
• If you find a dehydrated pet, offer a small bowl of water under supervision. Before offering food, you might want to check with a vet.

If you are a homeowner faced with the unfortunate prospect of leaving your home, don't forget to make the call that will ensure a humane future for your beloved pet.

If you need help with a short sale or foreclosure in Central Florida, call Janice Petteway at Exit Real Estate Results.