Animal advocates say they’re preparing for the worst as the end of the federal moratorium on housing evictions could strain shelters around the country, many of which are already full.
As many as 8 million pets could flood into shelters in the coming months — which would double the country’s annual shelter intake — as renters move out, said Kristen Hassen, who oversees Human Animal Support Services, which advocates to keep people and their pets together.
“We’re starting to see the impact of Covid and financial strain and moving as being significant factors in shelter surrender,” Hassen said. “What is happening with the evictions will put about 8 million pets at risk. It doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll enter shelters. It does mean that their owners are facing evictions. Those numbers are completely devastating and staggering.”
