Although the public opinion poll showed that there are respondents who worry that animals from pet shelters or from foreclosure adoption facilities can have medical conditions, there are more respondents, four out of ten, who believe that pets from stores are more likely to have hidden illnesses.

The reaction of U.S. residents to adopting abandoned pets is parallel to the increasing number of households who prefer buying foreclosure homes over existing dwellings. Market analysts see this as a way by which Americans are trying to cope with the impact of the foreclosure crisis on people’s daily lives.

A number of poll respondents even ventured to say that pet store animals have been overbred, so it is more possible to get a sick pet from a store than from a shelter. Some respondents also stated that they think most pet stores do not really care about the animals and are just in the business for the money, while pet shelters are more concerned about the welfare of the pets they offer for adoption.

In total, survey results showed that eight percent prefer to get their pets from stores; while 13 percent revealed that they got the pets they have now from a pet shelter or through adoption from foreclosed pet facilities. Twenty three percent stated they would get their pet from a breeder, while 54 percent said they are planning to get their next cat, dog, bird or rabbit from a pet shelter.

The result of the poll is good news to pet shelters which have been facing massive problems in terms of finding households willing to adopt abandoned foreclosure pets. According to shelter operators, they are getting overwhelmed by the sheer number of homeless animals that they need to house, while the number of households willing to adopt the animals are getting fewer.

The problem of housing abandoned animals is expected to further escalate as the number of foreclosures by state continues to rise. As the poll showed, majority of Americans are very aware of the extent of this problem and some of the respondents even expressed confusion as to why some potential pet buyers would even consider buying from stores when there are animals in shelters that are facing euthanasia because of lack of space to house them.

A number of people who participated in the survey advised other people trying to find bank owned homes for sale to also look for pets at the same time. They encouraged these home buyers to help by adopting abandoned pets once they have their new home.

Owners of abandoned foreclosure pets asserted that there are great pets to be found in shelters and that there is no reason why homeowners will not do their share to prevent these animals from getting euthanized. They even added that pet breeding should be put on hold while the problem of foreclosures continues to increase the number of homeless pets.

In Poughkeepsie, New York a bird-allergic real estate agent Jeffrey Dolfinger brought two disheveled cockatiels to a pet shop after finding them starving in a foreclosed home. Thanks to Dolfinger, these birds are currently re-nourished back to health in the pet shop.

Exotic bird surrenders from foreclosures are not yet tracked but animal rescuers noticed the overwhelming calls of pet owners looking for new or temporary homes for their lovely, unique pets.

Most pet owners do not know where to appropriately leave their pets. Since most animal shelters are for cats and dogs, they are not fully equipped to handle our feathered friends, better yet exotic ones.

Macaws, parrots, cockatiels and cockatoos are somewhat high maintenance. These pets are very loud and destructive; they may disturb themselves and their environment.

Judy Sawin from the Avian Retreat in Seattle has 25 birds under her care and considers caring to them as an additional full time job, besides her full time in a construction company. She is currently receiving 8-10 foreclosure related cases per week, constantly increasing the number of bird under her care.

Mollywood is a bird sanctuary in Bellington, Washington that is currently caring for 400 foreign feathered friends. The past six months has such a turnover that seemed to be a record breaker for a 15 year experienced bird foster.

It is really heartbreaking, almost like losing a child, to leave an already beloved pet just because of unsettled finances. We better find ways to prevent further foreclosures or help the already troubled to save their homes and also their pets.

Foreclosure definitely hit even the dog houses. Pets of foreclosed homeowners surrender their pets to shelters hoping to free their financial difficulties from pet necessities like food, veterinarian visits, etc.

But you should know 3 reasons why you must not hand over your four-legged friends after foreclosure.

1. YOU MUST NOT LOSE A FRIEND (furry) JUST BECAUSE OF THE EXPENSES.

   CNN explains that you do not have to think about spending more for your pet than to your family’s needs. Shelters have vaccinations, spraying and other pet treatments in discounted prices. Just ask the Humane Society at 202-452-1100 or at www.hsus.org, or ASPCA at 212-876-7700 or www.aspca.org.

2. LOSING THEIR OWNER CAUSES THEM PAIN TOO.

   Pets adapt to your home environment. Drastically removing them from their home and their owner can be very traumatic, add the coldness of a pound. Pets do love their “family” and feel anxiety with separation.

3. PETS ARE THERAPEUTIC

   Researches have been conducted and found out that pet companionship benefit AIDS or cancer patients, the old and the mentally ill. A study conducted in New York found that patients with cardiac problems are more likely to survive a year after discharge, better than having a partner or friends.

   Animals give feelings of comfort and constant attention. They help us become more caring. They bring a mood of safety and acceptance.

If foreclosure left you with no choice but to leave your pets, please do not just abandon them on the streets or desert them chained in your foreclosed home. It is best that you contact the local Humane Society, or ASPCA. They do not only have safe shelters but also foster programs where your pets live temporarily in a home rather than a cage.
Click here to see more information about abondoned forclosure pets.