The Lost Dogs’ Home has seen an increase over the past three years in the number of people surrendering their pets in the hope of securing a rental.
Despite new laws which came into effect in 2020 granting tenants the right to own a pet when renting, the number of pets surrendered in the ‘moving/no pets allowed’ category has jumped by more than 47 per cent from 106 to 156 in the last three years.
The shelter believes that the actual number of housing-related pet surrenders is likely even higher around the state, as people also privately rehome pets and drop them off at smaller rescues.
“With the cost of living increasing and an extremely tight rental market, landlords now have the ability to ‘pick and choose’ more than ever which could leave pet owners at the bottom of the pile and at a disadvantage when looking for a place to live,” the shelter states.
“The human-animal bond is extremely powerful. If someone is forced to give up a pet in order to find housing, research suggests this can have significant emotional and mental well-being impacts.
“The pressure on shelters like The Lost Dogs’ Home is significant as we attempt to re-home even more pets than before.”
The Lost Dogs’ Home has recently introduced its Home Together program which is an Australian Shelter first for animals at risk of finding themselves ripped apart from family due to financial crisis.
The program is run by a Pet and Family Advocate who works with pet owners to identify the barriers to reclaiming a pet and help identify the support needed.
The shelter hopes this new initiative will keep as many pets and their humans Home Together.
“The most vulnerable people have the strongest bond with their pets and are the most at risk of losing them. It’s in times of crisis when our animals can become our main source of social support and comfort,” the shelter states.
“They give us the courage to face another day.
“Imagine then, having to walk into a shelter with your best friend and walk out alone because life challenges are so unsurmountable that there is simply no other choice but to surrender your beloved pet – in the hope they will be okay, and someone will love them as much as you do.”
