A dog is looking for a forever home after being given up by his owner because a new landlord would not allow pets, and a shelter worker has told Newsweek Prince’s predicament is on the rise.
The three-year-old Australian Shepherd mix had lived with his owner since he was a puppy, but faced by the ban at his new property, the owner was faced with the heartbreaking decision to give up their beloved pet.
In a post online, the Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter, where Prince is now residing, explained how the “new landlord said no.”
Chris Browder, Administrative Assistant and Technician at the shelter told Newsweek: “This is a trend that is really picking up speed as renters find it nearly impossible to find a rental property where they can still be pet owners. Moving, financial constraints, and lack of time are the top reasons pets end up at our shelter.”
Prince, who is currently at the Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter. His owner’s new landlord wouldn’t allow pets.
Shelbyville Shelby County Animal Shelter
During a recent fall adoption event, Prince had the opportunity to meet many potential adopters but did not find his perfect match. “He seemed to enjoy meeting new people, showcasing his friendly personality and impressive leash skills,” Browder said. “He even showed off his ‘shake’ skills to the crowd, proving he is both smart and charming.”
Housing restrictions like the ones affecting Prince and his owner are becoming increasingly common. A recent survey conducted by Talker Research for Newsweek found that 71 percent of Gen Z adults who don’t own pets cite housing restrictions as the primary reason.
While many landlords do claim to allow pets, many have breed or size limits making it impossible for many pet owners to introduce a dog to the home. A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science in 2021 found that less expensive pet-friendly listings were more likely to have pet fees charged on top, disproportionately impacting lower-income families.
Despite being a bit shy, Prince is affectionate and eager to please, and is looking for an active family that enjoys outdoor activities—and cozy time at home.
“He’s a bit shy but affectionate and eager to please,” Browder said. “He would do well with an active family that enjoys outdoor activities, like hiking in Indiana’s state parks, while also appreciating downtime at home.” Prince seems to particularly like children, and the shelter will cover the cost of his neutering, vaccinations, microchip registration, and flea treatments.
“If you already have a dog, we’d be happy to set up a meet-and-greet to ensure compatibility,” Browder said. “Prince deserves a loving home where he can feel safe and cherished.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
