KHS News

Home Foreclosure and Your Pet

During Challenging Times Keep Your Pet Safe
Home foreclosures are on the rise and many pets are losing their homes as well as their families. Listed below are several options to help keep you and your pet together through these trying times. If after reading this article you still have questions, please contact the Kitsap Humane Society (KHS) for further advice.

Never Abandon Your Pet
Pets have been left behind, abandoned in their homes, when owners vacate. Kitsap Animal Rescue and Enforcement wishes to remind pet owners of their responsibility to their companion animals. It is against the law to abandon an animal in Kitsap County and owners could face misdemeanor charges for doing so. Fines or/or jail time may be imposed.

Plan Ahead
If foreclosure seems imminent, look for alternatives to surrendering your pet well in advance:

Look for pet-friendly living accommodations where you will be relocating. Check newspaper ads, real estate management companies. The customer service staff at KHS keeps lists of pet friendly apartments.

Consider a temporary living arrangement for your pet. Perhaps a friend or family member would be willing to provide foster care until you find a new home that will allow for your pet to join you.

However, if temporary housing is not an option and you need to re-home your pet, please screen potential adopters carefully. When placing an ad, make sure you ask for an adoption fee. Do not offer your pet as FREE TO GOOD HOME. 

As a last resort, call the Kitsap Humane Society or other rescue organization.  It is a far better choice for pet and human to surrender your pet where it will be safe and kept from harm, than to abandon them to unknown circumstances.

Make a Great Impression
If you need to relocate, reluctant landlords might be persuaded to allow a pet if you can provide documentation to support that you are a responsible pet owner. Be sure to have veterinary records to demonstrate that your pet has had a relationship with a veterinarian. Show proof of required vaccinations, and that your pet is spayed or neutered. A reference letter from a veterinarian might also be helpful. 
Indoor animals make better pets and better neighbors. Keep cats indoors. Dogs should always be supervised and walked on a leash. Both dogs and cats should wear proper identification that includes a collar, tag and microchip. (Should your pet get lost or lose a collar and tag, a microchip is the best guarantee you will be reunited. Be sure to update the microchip manufacturer with current information including your new address, phone, veterinarian, etc.). License tags for dogs and cats are required in Kitsap County.

If Cost of Care is an Issue
While you are trying to get back on your feet, there may be options to help you keep your pet. If your pet is not already spayed or neutered, look into low-cost spay/neuter programs. The Kitsap Humane Society Low Cost Spay Neuter assistance program helps pet owners with a financial need. If moving out of state, contact the humane society where you are moving to see if they have or can recommend low cost spay/neuter options. 
Low cost micro-chipping clinics are offered a few times a year through KHS for Kitsap County residents. If you are moving out of the area, shop around for a hospital or clinic in your new location. Inquire about financial assistance or payment plans that might be offered.

The Kitsap Humane Society is located at
9167 Dickey Rd.
NW in Silverdale.
Telephone:  360/692-6977