How to handle pets during evictions

Q. I am being evicted from my home. What can I do with my pets (dog, cat, snake, fish) because I can't take them with me?

-- Anonymous

A. First know you are not alone! We can help you and your animals.

There is now a changing trend of intakes at the Animal Shelter. The majority of DuPage County Animal Care and Control's animal intakes are owner surrenders (most commonly due to life circumstance - not the behavior of the animal). While it is difficult to surrender your pet, more and more families are facing this reality and we are here to help you and your pet(s).

Remember, responsible pet ownership is what we strive for. Often forgotten is that surrendering your pet - as opposed to abandoning your pet - is the responsible action. With the rise in foreclosures and evictions, many animals are left behind when their families move on; many without access to fresh food, water, heat or ventilation.

Abandonment is never an option. Many have made the fatal mistake of leaving their pets behind, sure that the landlord or bank will find their animals in time. Too often this is not the case, especially in cases where the resident vacates the premises ahead of schedule.

DuPage County Animal Care and Control is an "Open Admission Shelter," which means we never say no to any animal in need, so rest assured that we are here to help your pet when they need it most. Without judgment we accept these animals and work tirelessly to find adoptable animals a new place to call home.

During this very difficult phase in your life, I hope this information helps.

Kerry Vinkler is director of DuPage County Animal Care and Control. If you would like to ask a question, e-mail animalcontrol@dupageco.org, or write to Du-Page County Animal Care and Control, 120 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. You can also visit www.dupageco.org/animalcontrol, or call (630) 407-2800.