| Bankruptcy can be a troubling time for anyone facing | | | | depending on state and local codes. Pets are |
| such overwhelming financial circumstances. Even | | | | considered personal property, and are treated like |
| though the process can wear a person down, causing | | | | any other piece of property left behind in a |
| them to make emotional decisions and occasionally | | | | foreclosure. The original owner has certain rights |
| take action that they otherwise would have never | | | | retained over a period of time following the |
| considered, there is no excuse for animal cruelty | | | | foreclosure process, which may prohibit action on a |
| during bankruptcy. Foreclosure pets, as they are | | | | lender's behalf. |
| becoming known as, are dogs, cats, and other | | | | There are some simple alternatives to leaving an |
| animals left alone in the houses that their owners | | | | animal behind. The first and easiest is to contact the |
| have lost due to foreclosure. | | | | nearest pet shelter. While these facilities already find |
| Although this may be surprising to some, especially | | | | themselves overburdened with abused and unwanted |
| pet owners, the reality of foreclosure pets boils | | | | animals, many recognize the alternative to finding |
| down to personal finances. When purchasing a pet | | | | homes for these pets. However, under certain |
| from a store or shelter, the initial costs do not | | | | circumstances, shelters may not be able to accept an |
| describe the full price of keeping a pet healthy. With | | | | animal at the time. In these situations, contacting |
| food, medicine, and housing required, pet costs can | | | | friends, family, or acquaintances who have been |
| be a significant and constant financial burden for | | | | interested in adding a new pet to their family may be |
| some. Especially during a bankruptcy, this may | | | | a more viable solution. |
| become too much to handle. | | | | Contact a bankruptcy attorney to learn more about |
| Legally, lenders may be unable to remove foreclosure | | | | how pets can factor into a bankruptcy. |
| pets from a property immediately after finding them | | | | |