Who We Are

The Humane Exchange

Marie Belew Wheatley's Blog

Have Pets, Will Move

Posted October 22, 2009

In recent weeks, I’ve noticed more “For Sale” signs around the community. With the current economic situation still affecting many people, I asked Dena Fitzgerald of our Animal Protection Division staff to be a guest blogger and discuss moving with pets.

When I read about the passing of the world’s oldest dog, a 21-year-old dachshund named Chanel, I felt a mix of emotions: a deep sadness for the loss of a beloved family member, but also a sense of joy for the human-animal bond that resulted in 21 wonderful years of love and companionship for both dog and owner. I was especially touched to read that Chanel’s owner took Chanel with her to live in Germany for nine years while in the U.S. Army.

Sadly, many people do not make that same lifetime commitment to their pets when faced with a move -- even a move that is only a short distance away. On any given day, thousands of ads appear under the “Pets” section of the internet site Craigslist, placed by owners who are trying to re-home their pets. Far too many read like the following actual ads:

“Black Lab/Golden Retriever mix needs a good home. We are moving out of state and will not be able to keep Dante.”

“Wonderful tabby cat to a good home. We are sad to get rid of him, however, we are moving to an apartment that will not allow cats.”

In a recent American Humane survey of 93 shelters across the country, “moving” was the number-one reason given by owners for relinquishing a pet, and “landlord won’t allow” was the fourth most-common reason. With approximately 8 million animals entering shelters each year, I find it especially tragic that so many owners make the decision to give up their pets when a life or career change requires a move. However, I believe that many of those owners are heartbroken at the thought of separating from a family member and that they might make a different decision if they knew about the resources that can make moving with their pets possible.

I have firsthand experience with this issue, having been a renter for the past 17 years and having made three interstate moves. Each time, I had four or more pets and never once considered not taking all of them with me. Moving with pets doesn’t have to be unduly challenging, expensive or stressful, especially with the resources available on the internet and at your local animal shelter.

Rental properties that allow pets are actually the norm rather than the exception. When I recently checked properties listed in the Denver area on www.apartments.com, 98 percent allow cats, 93 percent allow small dogs and 66 percent allow large dogs. Finding a pet-friendly rental property anywhere in the country only takes a few clicks of your mouse on that website or similar ones, like www.peoplewithpets.com. Many animal shelters also maintain lists of local pet-friendly rental properties and have staff that can assist you in your search.

If you’re like me, and you have more pets than most managed rental properties will allow, then renting from a private landlord is a better option. Most private landlords want to find a reliable tenant as quickly as possible and are therefore often willing to be flexible in their pet policies. American Humane provides tips that will help you negotiate pet policies with a private landlord.

Once you have secured your new pet-friendly home, you will have to consider the logistics of moving. American Humane also has tips for planning a safe and successful move with your pets.

If you find yourself facing challenges when moving with your pet -- such as a pet deposit you can’t afford, or the need for temporary housing while you are searching for a new home -- your local animal shelter may be able to assist you. In our survey, 68 percent of shelters reported that they offer free counseling to owners who are considering relinquishing their pets. Your local shelter may also be able to assist you with funding for a pet deposit and/or finding a short-term foster home or boarding kennel for your pet. American Humane’s Foreclosure Pets Grant program provides funds to animal shelters that assist foreclosure victims and their pets.

I can’t imagine my life without the love and joy my pets bring me on a daily basis. Having them with me made my moves less stressful, because in each strange new city, my furry family members were at home, waiting for me at the end of the day! Taking my pets with me no matter where my life or my career takes me is part of a lifetime commitment that gives back a lifetime of love and companionship. I hope more and more people who move will explore their options more thoroughly and honor their own commitment to their pets.

Bookmark this on del.icio.us Digg this submit to reddit Reddit this StumbleUpon

Submit a comment or question below, or email Marie.

This is not an open forum, but Marie and American Humane welcome all comments and points of view. We will post selected comments that are considerate and thought-provoking, and we may edit comments for brevity, grammar and/or inflammatory language.

Comments Form

Comments

Submitted by luvmygoldens at: November 5, 2009

I love to hear happy stories from committed pet owners! I think if more people realized that each year in the United States alone over 10 million dogs and cats are euthanized as a result of pet overpopulation, they'd reconsider surrendering their pet. I'm sure with our economy on the decline that number is much higher. It does require a little more planning when moving your pet from one home to another but your pet appreciates your efforts and will offer you unconditional love in exchange. Unconditional love... It just doesn't get any better than that!

Submitted by Jacquline at: October 23, 2009

I have had 2 dogs on my lifetime; one while I was in college and lived only in apartments without a lot of money and the dog I now have since 2001. My first dog was a akc purebred malumute I purchased at a reputable breeder and the other I choose from a animal shelter. I have moved cross country numerous times, face economic hardships and had these dogs aduring undergrad and law school. I managed to find money for their vet bills, walk them in dog walks, take them on dates, on hikes to dog walks and even had them sit with me in cafes in NYC. If I can do this anyone can. Most of the people who give away their dogs say it's because they do not have the time anymore or are downsizing, normally these ppl have upper middle incomes. What they do not have is commitment to their animals which is a value, a value that you are responsible to those who depend on you., whether this is an animal or a person who is unable to take care of themselves. A animal save extraordinary vet bills costs less than a daily latte.