Boston'S Housing Crisis Forces Shelters To Resettle Pets!

In 2023, the organization reported that 71% of the pets were surrendered due to housing costs, and 21% were surrendered due to lack of pet-friendly housing. The high cost of housing and the lack of affordable pet-friendly housing options have led to a significant increase in pet surrenders at animal shelters.

The Rise of Pet Surrenders

The Impact of Housing Costs

Housing costs have become a significant challenge for many pet owners. The rising cost of housing has led to a decrease in the number of people who can afford to keep their pets. This has resulted in an increase in pet surrenders at animal shelters. The cost of housing has increased significantly over the past few years, making it difficult for many people to afford.

Separation from Pets Can Have Lasting Consequences for Both Humans and Animals.

These situations include:

Housing insecurity: Pet owners who are struggling financially may be forced to leave their pets behind due to lack of affordable housing options. Homelessness: Pet owners who are experiencing homelessness may be unable to care for their pets and may be forced to leave them behind. Eviction: Pet owners who are facing eviction from their homes may be forced to leave their pets behind due to the lack of alternative housing options. These situations can be incredibly stressful and traumatic for both the pet owner and the animal. The emotional toll of being separated from one’s pet can be overwhelming, and the consequences can be long-lasting. ### The Human-Animal Bond*

The Human-Animal Bond

The human-animal bond is a complex and multifaceted relationship that is deeply rooted in emotional, social, and psychological factors. The bond between humans and animals is built on trust, companionship, and mutual care, and it plays a critical role in our emotional and mental well-being.

The Benefits of the Human-Animal Bond

The human-animal bond has numerous benefits for both humans and animals. Some of the most significant benefits include:

Improved mental health: Studies have shown that owning a pet can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and can even help alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Increased social connections: Pets can help their owners meet new people and form social connections, which is especially important for people who are lonely or isolated. Physical health benefits: Owning a pet can also have physical health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and improved cardiovascular health.
The majority of pet-friendly rentals in Massachusetts are found in the following cities: Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville.

Pet-Friendly Rentals in Massachusetts

Pet-Friendly Cities in Massachusetts

Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville are the top cities for pet-friendly rentals in Massachusetts. These cities have a high concentration of pet-friendly rentals, making them ideal for pet owners who want to live in urban areas.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

Pet-friendly rentals in Massachusetts often come with a range of amenities that cater to pet owners.

The other would require pet-friendly housing units to be built in new developments.

Pet-Friendly Housing Units

Benefits of Pet-Friendly Housing

Pet-friendly housing units are a crucial aspect of creating a pet-friendly city. These units provide pet owners with a safe and comfortable place to live with their pets. By including pet-friendly housing units in new developments, cities can encourage more people to adopt pets and reduce the number of abandoned pets. Pet-friendly housing units can also help reduce the number of pets that are left behind when their owners move away. These units can be designed to accommodate pets of all sizes, from small dogs to large cats. Pet-friendly housing units can also provide a sense of community for pet owners, as they can socialize with other pet owners and their pets.

Pet Accommodation During States of Emergency

The Need for Pet Accommodation

During states of emergency, many people are forced to evacuate their homes and leave their pets behind.

The MSPCA has also partnered with the City of Boston to develop a comprehensive animal welfare plan.

MSPCA’s Expanded Role in Animal Welfare

The MSPCA has taken significant steps to enhance its role in animal welfare by adding a housing policy specialist position.