Greater Boston housing crisis is also making pets homeless local shelters say

This is a significant increase from the 2022 numbers, which saw 220 pets surrendered for similar reasons.

The Rise of Pet Adoption and Shelters

A Growing Need for Pet Care

The pet adoption landscape is changing rapidly, with more and more people turning to shelters for help. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), over 78 million households in the United States own a pet.

Pet owners in need face housing-related stress and anxiety, prompting surrender of beloved pets to shelters.

The Crisis of Pet Owners in Need

The recent surge in pet owners surrendering their animals to ARL Boston has highlighted a pressing issue in the community: the crisis of pet owners in need. This crisis is often triggered by housing-related situations, which can be a significant source of stress and anxiety for pet owners. In this article, we will explore the crisis of pet owners in need and the role of ARL Boston in addressing this issue.

The Role of ARL Boston

ARL Boston is a leading animal welfare organization in the Boston area, providing a range of services to support pet owners and their animals.

This can lead to a loss of revenue for landlords and property managers.

The Pet-Friendly Rental Market in Massachusetts

Overview of Pet-Friendly Rentals

Massachusetts has a thriving rental market, with a wide range of options for tenants.

The ASPCA also reports that the average annual cost of owning a dog is $1,300, while the average annual cost of owning a pet is $1,500.

The Rising Costs of Pet Ownership

The Financial Burden of Pet Care

The rising costs of pet ownership have become a pressing concern for many pet owners. The ASPCA’s data suggests that the average annual cost of owning a dog has increased by $525 since 2010, while the average annual cost of owning a cat has increased by $530. These increases are largely due to rising costs of food, veterinary care, and supplies.

Emergency Pet Relief Act aims to provide relief to families with pets during states of emergency.

Another bill, SD. 817, would also provide financial assistance to families with pets during states of emergency by offering a one-time payment of $500 to help with expenses. A third bill, SD. 817, would provide a tax credit of up to $500 for families with pets during states of emergency, allowing them to offset the costs of pet care during difficult times.

Emergency Pet Relief Act

Background

The Emergency Pet Relief Act aims to provide relief to families with pets during states of emergency. The bill, SD. 817, has been introduced in the South Dakota state legislature to address the challenges faced by pet owners during such situations.

Key Provisions

Limiting Evictions: The bill would limit evictions due to the presence of a pet during states of emergency. This provision would help prevent families from being forced to leave their homes due to the needs of their pets. Financial Assistance: The bill would provide a one-time payment of $500 to families with pets during states of emergency. This financial assistance would help families cover the costs of pet care, such as food, veterinary care, and other expenses. Tax Credit: The bill would offer a tax credit of up to $500 for families with pets during states of emergency.

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

The MSPCA’s Efforts to Improve Animal Welfare

The MSPCA, or Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, has been a leading advocate for animal welfare in Massachusetts for over 150 years. With a strong commitment to protecting animals from cruelty, neglect, and abuse, the organization has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of animals in the state.

A New Housing Policy Specialist

In recent months, the MSPCA has added a housing policy specialist position to its team. This new role is designed to help craft legislation and local policies that support animal welfare.