Photo: Chaiel Schaffel/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Spring is the time of year when many people around Greater Boston start looking for a new place to rent, but if they are moving, they might not be allowed to bring their furry friend.
"Pets and housing has really become an issue, particularly over the last few years," said Mike DeFina with the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
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According to DeFina, ARL Boston took in close to 400 surrendered pets in 2024, which was "a ten percent increase over the previous year and a nearly 30 percent increase over 2022."
DeFina believes low housing stock plays a big part in this growing trend, with pet owners forced to surrender their animals because the lease does not allow them and they have no other choice.
"It can be no pet policies, it could be somebody moving to a cheaper place to live that doesn’t allow pets," DeFina told WBZ NewsRadio Wednesday. "It’s not a trend we want to see, and something that, really, people need to start paying attention to."
ARL Boston has also seen an uptick in people abandoning their pets instead of bringing them to a shelter.
"There’s no malicious intent involved, but it’s really just an act of desperation, not knowing what to do," said DeFina.
DeFina said ARL Boston will take those pets. The organization also has a temporary housing program so pet owners can figure out a plan.
WBZ’s Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.