Housing Crisis Leading to Increased Pet Abandonment: Faithful Friends Urges Community Support
New Castle, DE– The ongoing housing crisis and rising inflation are having devastating effects not only on families but also on their beloved pets. Faithful Friends Animal Society is witnessing an alarming increase in the number of pets being abandoned as their owners struggle to secure stable housing. Many individuals, forced to live in their cars due to the high cost of rent, have reached out to Faithful Friends Animal Society (FFAS), desperately seeking temporary boarding for their animals while they work to regain stability.
This year marks Faithful Friends’ 25th anniversary of serving the community, and the need for its lifesaving services has never been greater. Economic instability—reminiscent of the 2008 housing crisis—continues to put immense pressure on families and their pets, making their safety net services more critical than ever.
Despite operating on a $4.7 million budget, FFAS receives only $100,000 in state funding, leaving it reliant on community support. Rising inflation and minimum wage increases have significantly strained its budget, yet it remains committed to providing the highest-quality care for the animals and pet caretakers it serves.
Faithful Friends is currently running its “Double Your Love Match Challenge”, in which a group of generous donors matches every donation. With just $125,000 left to reach their $750,000 goal and only until the end of the month to do so, they urgently need the community’s support.
“We anticipate a matching gap of about $100,000 of the $125,000 left to raise, which is concerning,” said Jane Pierantozzi, Executive Director. “We increased our fundraising goal this year due to the financial challenges we’re facing, and we need help to close the gap.”
If you are able to contribute FFAS would be incredibly grateful. Donations can be made at faithfulfriends.us/donate
Stories of Hope: Lives Changed Through Community Support
The generosity of donors directly impacts the lives of vulnerable animals in FFAS’ care. Here are just a few of the stories that illustrate the difference you help make:
Scraps’ Story
Scraps, a gentle stray cat, was found with a severe head wound, likely from being hit by a car. Despite his injuries, Scraps always let the other homeless cats eat first, earning his name from his selfless nature. Now under Faithful Friends’ care, he is receiving medical treatment and preparing for adoption, thanks to generous supporters.
Moose & Bella’s Story
Moose, a 13-year-old dog, and his companion Bella were temporarily boarded at FFAS after their family lost their home. Forced to live in their car, the family desperately searched for an affordable apartment. Thanks to the generosity of a donor who covered their first month’s rent and a volunteer landlord who provided an affordable unit, the family secured stable housing and was reunited with their beloved pet pets.
Bluey & Wolfie’s Story
Bluey and Wolfie were abandoned in a city park in freezing temperatures. Bluey, unable to use his back legs, was found shivering and in distress. A Good Samaritan rescued them, and FFAS provided Bluey with medical care, a custom wheelchair, and physical therapy. Now, he has found a loving forever home. Wolfie was found abandoned near Bluey, arrived severely dehydrated, and later developed seizures. He received intensive veterinary care and is now ready for adoption. His story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the power of compassion.
How You Can Help
Faithful Friends Animal Society remains dedicated to ensuring no pet is left behind, but they need your help. Your donation—no matter the size—will be doubled and go directly toward providing urgent care, shelter, and resources for pets in crisis. To contribute, visit faithfulfriends.us/donate