A new nonprofit organization is offering a first-of-its-kind long-term boarding option for families facing foreclosure, eviction or other hardships that temporarily disrupt their ability to keep or care for pets. Seer Farms keeps families whole by offering sanctuary to pets displaced due to crisis such as foreclosure, eviction, military deployment, domestic violence, catastrophic illness, flood or fire.

Located on three-acres in rural Jackson, NJ, Seer Farms was established to provide long-term shelter to pets whose human companions need time to sort out personal, health or financial crises. The organization, which received its 501 (c)(3) designation in June, has taken in 82 animals from 28 families across the state of New Jersey since it began accepting pets in January. Already, three families have been reunited with their pets.

“Until now, families who are temporarily unable to care for their pets have been forced to relinquish their animals permanently, even when they know their situations will resolve over time,” said Laura Pople, the founder and executive director of Seer Farms. “Losing a pet only adds to the trauma and pain families face when they confront crises as serious as foreclosure, divorce or long term illness. Our mission is to help keep pets safe while families heal.”

“Most of our pets at Seer Farms are here because their owners have lost homes to foreclosure or eviction,” said Rabbi Robin Nafshi, president of the organization. “Economic hardship and the resulting loss of secure housing created a pet care crisis that leaves people with few options to protect their animals. Traditional shelters are becoming overwhelmed and in desperation, some people are resulting to abandonment of their pets. Part of my role is to provide support to families as they drop off their animals. Most people are in tears.”

Seer Farms offers a sliding fee scale to accommodate pets for a contract term up to six months. Families can reclaim their animals as early as they wish; otherwise they have the option of extending the contract period. If it is apparent that reclaiming a pet will be impossible, surrender for adoption is an option.

“It’s devastating to have to part with a pet, even when you know it is in the animal’s best interest,” said Pople. “But Seer Farms leaves people room for hope because there is a reunion to look forward to when better days return.”

How You Can Help

Seer Farms gratefully accepts support in the form of monetary donations and in-kind pet care items. Memberships are available for individuals and businesses eager to support this innovative and loving option for people and their pets. For information, please call Seer Farms at 732-928-1804, e-mail info@seerfarms.org, or visit our website at www.seerfarms.org.
 

Photo by Clay Myers, Best Friends' photographer.