Foreclosure and Pets

The foreclosure crisis has created difficult and stressful times for many Bay Area households.  Many families within our community include pets, and the East Bay SPCA encourages pet owners who could be affected by this crisis to develop a plan that includes their animals.  Consider your options and gather information as soon as possible!

Option 1          Renting with Your Animal(s):

It can take a little longer to find a rental that will accept you and your animals, but if you have the time, it is well worth the effort to keep your family intact. 

ü       Use all methods to secure pet-friendly housing. These may include: newspapers, magazines, listing services and word of mouth. Check local humane organizations for resources for renters with pets. The East Bay SPCA publishes many local resources on our website: info for renters 

ü       Provide references from previous landlords, obedience instructors, pet sitters, groomers, friends, etc.

ü       Prove you are a responsible pet owner. Show documentation stating that you are up-to-date on vaccinations, and that your animal is spayed/neutered and licensed.  Get your dog a “Canine Good Citizen” certification.

ü       Assure your landlord that your pet will not damage their property. Offer an extra pet deposit and offer to sign a special pet agreement.

ü       Compile the above information into a “pet resume” and submit it with your tenant application form.

Option 2          Re-homing Your Animal(s)

The idea that you may have to give up your animal can be very difficult, however, the sooner you start planning, the more options you will have.

ü       Check in with friends and family in case they would like to adopt the pet.

ü       Ask your veterinary office if they will allow you to post flyers about your pet.

ü       Avoid “Free to a Good Home” ads.  If you decide to post on Criagslist, for example, charge a fee, conduct a home check and create a contract. If you don’t have the time to check out potential adopters consider surrendering to a shelter where they will screen potential adopters and follow up after the placement.

ü       Gather information about local shelters and rescue groups, including their intake procedures and policies.  The East Bay SPCA maintains a list of local shelters and groups as well as information about our programs on our website: http://www.eastbayspca.org/resources/otherlocalgroups.cfm and http://www.eastbayspca.org/resources/animalsurrenders.cfm   A primer on shelters and rescue groups is located at the bottom of this page.

ü       If you adopted your animal from a shelter, check in with them. Many will take the animals back if you can’t keep them. Some breeders will also take back their animals.

Option 3          Short-term Solutions

If you will eventually be relocating to pet-friendly housing, but need a safe and temporary solution for your pet consider the following resources:

ü       Boarding can be expensive, but some facilities offer discounts for multiple days.  Make calls to check on rates and availability well ahead of your move.

ü       Ask your friends or family if they can keep your pet for a specific period of time while you are searching for housing. It is best to have a written agreement to there is no confusion about the animal’s rightful owner when you are ready to take your pet back.

NEVER AN OPTION

Never leave a pet to fend for him or herself.  Domesticated animals rely on humans for food, water, shelter and general care.  If you feel overwhelmed and unable to care for your animal, please contact your local animal shelter or humane organization immediately.

Primer on Shelters and Rescue Groups:

There are several different types of shelters and organizations that serve our community:

Private Shelters will take in animals based on space, and often have criteria your pet must meet in order to be accepted. Private shelters have facilities where your dog or cat will be kenneled while they wait for their new homes.

Rescue Groups place animals in foster homes while they wait to be adopted.  A rescue group’s ability to take an animal into their care is dependant on the availability of these foster homes.

Municipal Shelters (run by cities and/or counties) are available if you need to give up your animal immediately. In the East Bay, the vast majority of friendly, healthy family pets will find their way into other private shelters, rescue programs or into homes.

Information to Help You Find the Perfect Rental for You and Your Pet

Finding an apartment in the Bay Area is challenging as it is, but it can be extra-daunting when you've got a four-legged housemate coming with you.  But abandoning your animal for an apartment shouldn't be an option, and with these tools and tips it doesn't have to be.

Expect a challenge and be prepared:

Online Resources
The following sites are dedicated to helping renters with pets find housing, or are general housing sites that also provide pet-renting resources:

(The above websites are not affiliated with the East Bay SPCA.)