Background and Overview
Lost Our Home Pet Foundation, Inc. was founded in 2008 as a grassroots response to the thousands of pets in need as a result of the economic downturn in general, and the Phoenix-area foreclosure crisis in particular.
The economic crisis has consequences for the state’s homeowners and workers, but it also has consequences—sometimes fatal—for the thousands of dogs and cats that are so often abandoned, relinquished to area shelters, or underfed.
LOH is the only organization in the Valley dedicated to rescuing pets abandoned, or at risk of homelessness, due to foreclosure, eviction, or other financial hardship. The most obvious recipients of our assistance are the pets we rescue, re-home, and feed; however, the mission of LOH is linked directly to the human-animal bond. As a result, our target audience extends beyond the pets to include owners, specifically:
1. Pet owners who are forced to give up their pets due to foreclosures, evictions, and other financial hardships.
2. Pet owners who, due to financial hardship, are unable to afford pet food and other pet supplies, and therefore may be relinquishing or abandoning their pets.
3. Pet owners who are forced to move because of foreclosure, eviction, or other financial hardship, and are unable to take their pets with them—but who are committed to keeping their pet(s).
4. Pet owners who cannot afford to spay/neuter their pets
In the first three years of opening we have rescued over 1,400 cats and dogs, fed approximately 7,000 more through our food bank (allowing them to remain with their families) and paid thousands of dollars in medical for our financial aid and spay/neuter program.
Mission
The mission of the Lost Our Home Pet Foundation is to be a resource for real estate professionals and other members of the community who discover an abandoned pet, and to provide options for pet owners faced with difficult economic circumstances while promoting the spaying and neutering of pets.
Programs
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Animal Rescue Abandoned Pets : We rescue pets that have been abandoned (often without food and water) in foreclosed homes or after evictions.
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Animal Rescue Owner Turn-ins : We take in pets from pet owners who are facing foreclosure or eviction and cannot take their pets with them to the place they are moving to.
- Pet Food Bank: We provide pet food and other supplies to pet owners who temporarily cannot afford their pets-giving them the opportunity to keep their pets.
- Spay/Neuter Voucher Program: We provide vouchers for free sterilization (or low cost -$15.00) for the pets in our Pet Food Bank program, Temporary Care Program and for families who are financially struggling and cannot afford to have their pets sterilized.
- Temporary Care Program: We provide temporary care (up to 90 days) for pets whose owners are forced to move because of foreclosure, eviction, or other financial hardship, and are unable to take their pets with them temporarily.
- Financial Aid: We provide financial aid for vet care when a pet is sick or hurt and the owner cannot afford to have the pet seen by a vet. THIS PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY INACTIVE. WE ARE OUT OF FUNDS
- Pet Friendly Rental Service: Our Realtor volunteers help pet owners find pet friendly rentals so they can keep their pets. 100% of the commission earned (usually $200 - $300) is donated to cover any pet deposit fees.
