The House of Lost Dogs has seen an increase over the past three years in the number of people surrendering their pets in the hope of securing a lease.
Despite new laws that came into effect in 2020 granting tenants the right to own a pet in their rental, the number of pets listed in the “Moving/no pets allowed” category has increased by more than 47 percent from 106 to 156 in the latter. three years
The shelter believes the actual number of pet surrenders in shelters is likely even higher around the state, as people are also privately surrendering pets and leaving them at smaller rescues .
“With the cost of living on the rise and an extremely tight rental market, landlords now have the ability to ‘pick and choose’ more than ever before which could leave pet owners at the bottom of the pile and at a disadvantage when looking for a place to live.” says the shelter.
“The human-animal bond is extremely powerful. If someone is forced to give up an animal to find housing, research suggests that this can have a significant impact on emotional and mental well-being.
“The pressure on shelters like The Lost Dogs’ Home is significant as we try to rehome even more pets than before.”
The Lost Dogs’ Home recently introduced its Home Together program which is Australia’s first shelter for animals at risk of being torn from their families due to financial crisis.
The program is run by a Pet and Family Advocate who works with pet owners to identify obstacles to rehoming an animal and help identify needed support.
The shelter hopes that this new initiative will keep as many pets and their humans at Casa Seme.
“The most vulnerable people have the strongest bond with their pets and are the most at risk of losing them. It is in times of crisis when our animals can become our main source of social support and comfort,” says the shelter.
“They give us the courage to face another day.
“Imagine then, having to walk into a shelter with your best friend and walk alone because the challenges of life are so insurmountable that there is no other choice but to give up your beloved pet – in the hope that they will be okay, and someone will love them as much as you.”
