Home Foreclosure Forcing Companion Animals Into Shelters

The increasing number of California home foreclosures is impacting families in many ways. While families are losing their homes, in some cases they are also being forced to give up their companion animals, leading to the overcrowding of animals shelters.

The Santa Clara County Animal Shelter in California noted a 13% increase in the number of animal surrenders in the last year, due specifically to the loss of a job or home.

A recent survey by Petfinder.com found that 84% of its affiliated animal adoption organizations are reporting companion animal surrenders due to economic woes. Three-fourths (74%) have seen an increase in companion animals being given away or abandoned, compared to the same time last year.

The overcrowding of shelters is causing companion animals to be turned away from shelters and rescue groups, and could potentially lead to an increase in shelter deaths.