Foreclosure Pets Program Selects First 10 Shelters

Grants will be used to fund programs to assist pet owners experiencing financial hardship.

The program, launched in March by the Humane Society of the United States in response to the economic downturn, collected $68,000 in private donations thus far. Nearly 70 animal welfare organizations have applied for the financial assistance, according to Nancy Peterson, HSUS issues specialist.

“We realize that when times are tough for people, they often are tough for pets,” she said. “Certainly in California; that is a state that has been hit real hard by this issue. It’s nationwide.”

The first 10 shelters have been selected to receive grants, pending verification of their nonprofit status, Peterson said. The money will help create or expand programs such as cat and dog food banks or a veterinary fund to help people who can’t afford medical care for their pets.

Funds are available to animal shelters and rescue groups, not individuals. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for the $500 to $2,000 grants will invest the money in programs that directly benefit pet owners who are experiencing financial hardship, Peterson said.

Many families have no choice but to give up their home and also are relinquishing their cats and dogs, she said. Others can no longer afford the medical bills, food or the pet deposit that’s required when moving to an apartment complex.

Shelters are reporting cases to the HSUS in which animals were left behind in foreclosed homes, starving to death, Peterson said. Some people have abandoned pets on the street.

“The point we want to get across is that it’s cruel, irresponsible and likely illegal to abandon a pet in that manner,” she said.

The grant program will be in place as long as donations are made and there is a need. For program guidelines and application instructions, click here.