Website helps pet owners dealing with housing crisis

I punch in the door code and hear the familiar chorus of barking dogs.

Rocky, Lulu, and Garden greet me from their cages, paws hitting against plastic in a high-five. As I make my way through the hallway and down to the cat lodge, I smile at familiar friends like Bing Clawsby and Sadie.

Since my last visit, empty cages have been filled with new residents.

The Hinsdale Humane Society, like many animal shelters across the country, is struggling to provide sufficient resources to the many animals in need in our community.

In the aftermath of the 2020 pandemic, a new problem has arisen.

As the median sale price of a single-family home in America has jumped 25% from 2019 to 2022, and rent increased 17.6% during 2021, Americans are unable to find affordable and stable housing. However, humans are not the only ones impacted by this struggle for basic necessities.

In the period between losing a home and looking for another, homelessness impacts both humans and pets. While 50% of rental housing in America accommodates to pet owners, only 9% does not have any restrictions on the size or type of animal.

As owners begin searching for a new home, it is important to consider a pet's needs and to find them a safe place to be relocated during this difficult time.

Just like the Hinsdale Humane Society, countless animal shelters across the nation are willing to provide a temporary home for animals. These programs include temporary foster homes, temporary shelter and boarding.

While some states, such as California, are working to create laws that implement pet-friendly policies and eliminate pet restrictions, pet owners in my hometown do not have these same protections.

To help pet owners in my community, I have created an online resource, Pawsitive Housing, that provides information for pet owners facing housing insecurity.

By providing knowledge of food pantries, veterinarians, shelters, and foster home opportunities nearby, while also informing owners of their tenant rights, I am hoping to assist pet owners facing housing insecurity and make sure that all pets receive the care they deserve.

Learn more at pawsitivehousing.weebly.com.