Here's how animal welfare organizations can help pets and their people affected by the home foreclosure crisis

With a foreclosure crisis sweeping the nation, fears have risen that some residents forced out of their homes may leave their pets behind in the empty home or apartment. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) encourages shelters and rescues to support pet owners during this difficult time.

A special page on the HSUS website advises those affected by the crisis to try finding temporary housing that accepts pets, to reduce the costs of pet ownership, and, when no other options are available, to contact local shelters and rescues for assistance.

"Some areas of the country have been hit harder by foreclosures than others," says Stephanie Shain, The HSUS's Director of Outreach for Companion Animals. "Shelters in these areas can do a lot to help these families in crisis care for the animal members of the family."

There are many ways your organization can assist pet owners during the foreclosure crisis. It's important for each organization to determine how it is able to handle pets in need during this time. Here are several options:

1. Assist needy owners in reducing the costs of pet care.

Your organization may wish to collect donated pet food, kitty litter, and other pet supplies from the public and distribute it to those in need. Shelters with veterinary facilities may want to consider providing preventative or complete veterinary services to affected pets as needed—and even offer low-cost spay/neuter services if possible. Shelters without such facilities can direct pet owners to their nearest subsidized spay/neuter clinic.  Be sure to let needy families know that responsible animal care can also reduce the costs of pet ownership.

2. Provide resources to families who will be moving to rental or other temporary housing.

Encourage affected families to prepare to find pet-friendly temporary housing. The webpage humanesociety.org/rentwithpets provides pointers for finding rentals that accept pets. Alternately, you can print these materials and distribute them to needy pet owners who seek help from your shelter. You can also order the brochure 13 Steps to Finding Rental Housing that Accepts Pets.

3. Serve as a liaison between pet owners and foster volunteers.

Consider creating, maintaining, and disseminating a list of people willing to foster the pets of needy families. If you have the resources to do this, you should make clear that the foster families and the pets needing temporary care have not been screened by your agency. You should also set very clear guidelines and protocols. For more information, view our sample foster care agreement between pet owner and friend.

4. Include pets affected by the foreclosure crisis in an existing foster care program.

If you already have a foster care program, you may want to expand it temporarily to allow for the short-term care of pets whose families are in transition. The expansion of such a program provides another opportunity for you to connect with your community and seek their support.

5. Develop a foster care program.

Foster care programs increase the number of animals a shelter can help. These programs should not, however, be entered into lightly. Good foster programs require assigned staff and a commitment of resources from the organization. See the information available in the Foster Care Programs and Volunteer Programs sections of our Resource Library and view our sample foster care agreement between shelter and foster caregiver for guidance.

6. Accept the pets of people in crisis.

It is difficult to understand why someone would choose to abandon a pet instead of taking him or her to a safe place such as an animal shelter. Make sure your community knows about your services and programs, and make clear that the relinquishment of pets to your organization is a safe last resort. As The HSUS's Shain notes, "While you may not be able to guarantee a new home for the pets of people in crisis, you can guarantee that they and their pet will be treated well and with kindness."