In an Iffy Economy, North Carolina’s Pet Owners and Increasing Number of Homeless Pets Can Now Find Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 1, 2010 -- Media Contact:
Kim Croom, Director
Phone: 919.425.2330
Email: kim@petfoster.org
www.petfoster.org

Raleigh, North Carolina – In response to the increasing number of abandoned and homeless pets fueled by the Great Recession, the Pet Foster Network http://www.petfoster.org) has announced that it will expand its services. The organization previously served animal welfare groups and rescue shelters in four North Carolina counties: Durham, Chatham, Wake and Orange. Now, the Pet Foster Network aims to serve all 100 counties in the state.

Millions of healthy and friendly pets are euthanized each year as their owners -- unable to provide care -- abandon them. As the economy has worsened, so has the problem. Faced with foreclosure or job loss, more and more owners are forced to leave their pets behind or give them up. Without proper placement, many of the animals end up in animal shelters. Local animal shelters euthanize dozens of adoptable animals each day to make space for the new ones coming in. Animal rescue groups have to turn away many homeless pets each week because they lack foster parents.

“Over 200,000 cats and dogs are euthanized each year in our county’s animal shelters. Often we receive requests for help from people who wish to find foster homes for their beloved pets instead of relinquishing them to the local animal shelter where they will more than likely be euthanized,” said Barbara Lapointe, founder of the Network. “We hear from elderly people moving into nursing homes, families going through a divorce, sickness, or death, and people who are relocating or moving into apartments where there is no room for pets. We work with over 50 animal rescue groups and shelters in the state to help find a safe and loving environment for pets until they are adopted.”

“We are thankful to the volunteers who make our endeavors possible, and welcome new volunteers and donations to help the cause,” said Kim Croom, director. “Foster homes are in the front lines of every animal rescue group and shelter. They have a direct impact on the number of animals we are able to save. We need people willing to provide temporary shelter and care for pets until they are adopted. Fostering can last from a few days to several months. All veterinary care is paid. Food and litter may also be provided,” added Croom.

About The Pet Foster Network

The Pet Foster Network is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps animal rescue groups and shelters recruit as many foster parents as possible. The organization’s goals are to promote the joys and needs of pet fostering in North Carolina, and to provide educational materials to develop successful foster programs. To help the cause or learn more about The Pet Foster Network, visit (http://www.petfoster.org) or become a fan of on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pet-Foster-Network/138681897796). You can also subscribe to the weekly newsletter (http://www.petfoster.org/newsletter.htm

homeless pets     rescue animals     rescue shelters