But that doesn’t account for the scores of helpless pets whose families have lost their homes and actually left them behind.

‘”This problem of pets being left behind in foreclosed homes is crossing all boundaries.  It’s something we’re seeing in all kinds of homes, in all types of neighborhoods,” says Jodi Polanski, a Mortgage professional in Scottsdale, Ariz., and founder of the nonprofit Lost Our Home Pet Foundation.

After coming across dozens of wayward dogs and cats in foreclosed homes throughout metropolitan Phoenix, Polanski enlisted the support of other concerned real estate professionals to rescue pets who’d been left behind.  Since Lost Our Home Pet Foundation began its efforts in July, Polanski says the organization has received at least one call for help every day and has rescued an average of 10 animals per week.

Now, the all-volunteer group runs a pet-food bank that provides struggling Pet Parents with free animal food or basic pet supplies; recruits temporary foster care for pets whose families need time to find a new place to live; and helps Pet Parents who know they’re going to lose their house to find pet-friendly rental properties.  When they can afford to, Polanski and her team will even help Pet Parents pay for veterinary expenses.

The group’s largest-single rescue involved 20 dogs in a palatial, 4,400-square foot home in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert.  The house – which would fetch $675,000 even in today’s market – had been gutted, and 20 dogs were left inside to fend for themselves.

At another property in Phoenix, one of Polanski’s colleagues found a family cat who’d been struggling to survive on her own for weeks.  Dehydrated, starving and battling an infection brought on by lack of nourishment, all that veterinarians could do was euthanize her to end her suffering.

“It looked as if they put out some food and water when they left, and they must have assumed that someone would find her right away.  By the time a realtor was let into the house, all the food and water were gone and the poor kitty was on the brink of death,” she said.

Members of Lost Our Home Pet Foundation suggest the following when you are in a situation where you have to move:

§         Never, ever leave pets behind.  It can be several days or even several weeks before anyone returns to the foreclosed home.  Not only is it inhumane to abandon a pet, it also can be illegal.  In some communities, abandoning a pet can lead to charges of animal cruelty or neglect.

§         Plan ahead.  “Foreclosure is not an overnight event, so many Pet Parents have time to begin looking for pet-friendly housing or exploring humane options,” Polanski said.  “Don’t put off finding help for your pets until the 11^th hour.  In our case, the more planning that Pet Parents put into this, the easier if is for us to help them.  But if they wait until the last minute, it’s much harder for us to find foster placement or other resources they need.”

§         Network with pet lovers who can help – at least for a while.  Talk to trusted friends, family members and co-workers and find out if they can house your pet(s) on a short-term basis.  If someone you know is willing to provide temporary care, introduce your pet(s) to him or her in advance.  If your pet(s) can build a bond with this caregiver, it will make the transition into his or her home that much easier.  While your pet is in temporary care, arrange to visit regularly.  Also offer to help out with daily walks, yard scooping and litterbox cleaning if you can. If you’re financially able, continue buying (or chip in to buy) your pet’s food and basic supplies while she’s in temporary housing.

§         Look for pet-friendly housing.  Many apartment complexes and other rental properties allow pets these days.  If you lose your home, you need to find a new place to live – so why not make it one of the many rental communities where your pets are welcome?

§         Talk to your pet’s veterinarian.  Let him or her know about the situation and find out if he or she is willing to accept monthly payments for services, offer a reduced fee or otherwise work with you until you’re back on your financial feet.

§         Contact a shelter or pet-rescue group in your area.  Many shelters and rescue groups are developing or expanding programs and services to help Pet Parents during these uncertain economic times.  If you must surrender your pet, keep in mind that he will have a chance to find a loving, new family.  Your local shelter or rescue group might also know about other resources in the community where you can find help caring for pets.