The Real Estate Bloggers

Posted: 25 Jan 2011 06:27 AM PST

Cat A true horror story is coming out of Granite Falls, Washington. A home that had been foreclosed upon in October was finally serviced by a locksmith. Inside, 31 dead pets were found and 3 cats that survived living in the squalid conditions.

This really is a miserable situation on so many levels. First the family that left the pets there should be drawn and quartered. No matter the emotional turmoil they were facing they had responsibility for the animals.

But the idea that the bank that foreclosed on the property not sending out anyone to take possession for 3 months is a travesty in itself. The locksmith changing the locks in late January on an October foreclosure is just amazing. If the bank had any sense of urgency and responsibility they would have had the locks changed the first week of taking possession and the pets could have possibly survived.

If you ever come across a home abandoned or foreclosed upon that have pets left behind here are some tips from the American Humane Society.

Ask family, friends, neighbors and co-workers if they will care for your pet while you relocate.

Check with local breeders to see if they know of anyone who will be a Foster pet parent for you until you get established.

Ask your veterinarian or a boarding kennel if your can receive low-cost boarding for your pets, or set up a payment plan for boarding costs while you relocate.

If you can’t find temporary placement for your pets, visit Petfinder.com or the No Paws Left Behind websites to search for animal shelters and animal rescue organizations in your area. Some shelters and organizations may offer to house pets for a short period of time, until you can get reunited with your pet. After a certain time limit, they may put the pet up for adoption.Generally these are considered “No Kill” Shelters.

The last option is to surrender your pet to a local open-admission animal shelter. These type of facilities must accept all animals, but the adoption of your pet is not guaranteed, so if the shelter is overcrowded, they may be forced to euthanize (put down) your pet. Generally, there is a 50/50 chance they will be adopted. But at least it is better than no chance at all if they are left alone to fend for themselves.

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31 Dead Pets Found In Foreclosed Home