SPCA for Monterey County: Number of animal surrenders up in 2015

The number of animal surrenders in Monterey County is going up. One of the major reasons, animal activists say renters can’t find properties that allow pets.

“It’s heart-wrenching,” Beth Brookhouser with the SPCA for Monterey County said. “You know, you watch people leave in tears because they can no longer care for their pets.”

Since the start of 2015, 105 pets have been surrendered to the SPCA for Monterey County. At this time last year, it was 80.

“It’s a growing problem in Monterey County,” Brookhouser said. “It’s a hard place to find apartments and houses that accept pets, especially larger pets like Candy, who was surrendered because the owner was moving and they couldn’t find housing that could take a pet.”

Daniel Vorhies works for Sterling Property Management. Some of their properties they oversee allow pets, others don’t. While it’s ultimately up to the owner of the property, Vorhies said there are things perspective renters can do to make their pets more appealing to landlords.

“At the end of the day,” Vorhies explained, “It’s a negotiation. You are trying to convince the person that I love this property, I want to try to be here with my animal.”

He said provide references from your current landlord or invite them over to see your pet hasn’t destroyed your current home.

As for Candy, she’s waiting for her forever home.

“She is a happy sweet couch potato,” Brookhouser said. “She loves people. She would be a great dog in any house.

On the SPCA’s website, there’s a handy feature that shows pet owners pet friendly apartments and homes. They encourage pet friendly managers to sign up for the service as well.