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A press release from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA.org; February 20, 2009) estimates that 63 percent of the homes at risk of foreclosure have a pet. Losing your home can be devastating enough, but losing your pet because of financial challenges can add to your family’s emotional trauma.
Attention has recently been given to the plight of the families and their pets that are experiencing foreclosure. The ASPCA offers this information on preparing for foreclosure with your pets: check with family and friends for a temporary foster care for your pet (agree to a specific time frame and check in with your pet regularly); when moving to a rental, make sure that your management company allows pets; and/or plan in advance with a shelter as animal shelters usually have limited space.
Locally, families and their pets are being helped by “The Pet Friendly Realtor,” Jill Barsky (who is a Realtor with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc.). Ms. Barsky runs the nonprofit organization, Tailed Treasures of Maryland, Inc, which seeks to assist families and their pets in times of need- including a foreclosure transition. Ms. Barsky started the non-profit about five years ago, when she realized that she could combine her real estate skills with her love for animals. Although she has been rescuing animals for over fifteen years, she stated that her company is not to be confused with the traditional animal rescue (which permanently removes pets to find suitable homes). Instead, Ms. Barsky acts like a “pet social worker” assisting families to take care of their pets as best as possible by offering housing assistance as well as food and other pet necessities to those who are in need.
The goal of her services is to have the pet stay with its family. Ms. Barsky uses her real estate expertise to help families find rental housing that will allow pets; she stated, “Sometimes it’s a matter of negotiating with the landlord”. If a pet-friendly rental is not possible, she tries to find a temporary foster care placement.
Every situation differs, but Ms. Barsky has found that most families want to keep their pets during financial challenges. The best case scenario is when the family can keep their pet during a transition from a foreclosure; or be reunited with their pet when the family becomes financially stable.
Although most families will attempt to get help, some do not because they are embarrassed. The worst case scenario is when the pets are neglected and left to fend for themselves. Ms. Barsky has received many calls from other Realtors who spot abandoned pets or other trapped animals that are in vacant bank-owned homes.
Ms. Barsky has helped many families keep their pets, including many who serve in the armed forces. Pets are sometimes placed in temporary foster care during deployments where pets are not allowed, such as overseas operations.
If you would like to become part of Ms. Barsky’s pet foster care network, make a donation, or just get more information, you can visit the Tailed Treasures of Maryland, Inc.’s website at TailedTreasuresofMD.com. Ms. Barsky stated that donations don’t have to be cash; donations can also be in the form of pet food, supplies, or pet store gift certificates.
This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. This article was originally published in the Montgomery County Sentinel the week of April 13, 2009. Copyright © 2009 Dan Krell