Foreclosure And Your Pets
June 14, 2008 · Print This Article
The past few months have been stressful. The economy has weakened dramatically, not only in the United States but aboard as well. Oil prices are sky rocketing and as a result consumers are feeling the punch at the pump. The fearful whispers of a recession are being traded as food prices rise and jobs disappear. For homeowners, such a market is especially stressful, even frightening. Many are high in debt and defaulting on their mortgage payments forcing properties into foreclosure.
Foreclosure is one of the worst things that can happen to a property. After the payments are missed the bank or lending agency starts the tiring process of taking the borrowers home. This action forces the lender out of the home that had meant so much both financially and sentimentally.
These home owners scramble to pack, find a new place, and keep it all together. In the process they are forced to give up and sacrifice several luxuries and items. That second car, that boat, that retirement fund has to be sold or liquated or tapped into in order to meet the mounting bills and to help find a new place to live. Often times one of the innocent casualties of this is the family pet.
A growing trend is occurring, home owners leaving their pets behind in the foreclosed property. Real estate agents, bank representatives, and neighbors often discover the pet long after the home is vacated and this discovery is often tragic. It does not have to be this way, however. Homeowners have options open to them when it comes to their pets. While being foreclosed upon is certainly a taxing ordeal there is no excuse for abandoning a pet that has been with you through the good times and have provided so much love and loyalty.
It is all about preparation. Foreclosure does not just happen, it’s a lengthy process and home owners are aware of the impending disaster months in advance. While other issues like where to live, what to pack and how to get through the mess are important; you can not forsake your pet. You can take care of yourself, your dog can not.
Ideally, you want to take your pet with you but for those that are moving to an apartment or other structure that are not going to allow pets you need to look into placement alterative. If you plan on staying at a residence which has a no pet policy for a month or two ask if any friends or family can take your pet in for that period of time.
If you have no other choice but to give up your pet ask your friends and family again. You can also place a notice in the newspaper and notify coworkers that you have pet for adoption. Just make sure the home you choice for your pet is a good one. There are several animal shelters and rescue organizations that will be willing to take your pet. Some shelters may have to euthanize your pet but, really that is more humane then abandoning your pet which may very well die of thirst.
Should you happen to find a home but it allows no pets, try to talk with the landlord about relaxing that rule. It never hurts to try after all. Gather any vet records and written statements attesting to the fact that you are a great pet owner. Find anything that might help persuade the landlord that the pet policy should be lifted. You might be in luck; the policy might be on a case by case situation.
Leaving your pet behind is abuse and you may even be liable to legal penalties including jail time. There is really no excuse for abandoning your cat or dog or goat or whatever you happen to have. Be proactive and look for a place that your pet can call home even if you are loosing yours.
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[http://www.tfgi.com.] PetSugar wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThe past few months have been stressful. The economy has weakened dramatically, not only in the United States but aboard as well. Oil prices are sky rocketing and as a result consumers are feeling the punch at the pump. … [http://www.tfgi.com.]