Animal hoarding

Having several animals does not, by itself, mean someone is hoarding. What matters is whether each animal’s basic needs are being met.

Signs animals are well cared for

• Clean water and enough food every day
• Regular vet care
• Space to move, rest and be clean
• The owner knows each animal and how it is doing

Like object hoarding, animal hoarding involves great difficulty letting go and strong attachment. But almost every home where animals are hoarded has animal waste in living areas, while squalor is less common with object hoarding.

Experts think animal hoarding may have different causes and need a different kind of help, so a careful assessment matters.

Large-scale hoarding can happen within rescues or shelters that don’t recognize the harm they are causing.

Many people who hoard animals feel it is their sole responsibility to save animals in need. They may feel a strong urge to take in more to protect them from harm.

Some feel they have a special ability to understand and communicate with animals.

People who hoard animals more often describe chaotic childhoods and weaker bonds with parents than other pet owners. Researchers think animals may have become a safer source of love.

Animal hoarding is often linked with troubled relationships with people and, frequently, chaotic or traumatic childhoods.

Some people began gathering animals after a traumatic event or a loss. Illness, money problems or grief can also overwhelm someone who once cared well for their animals.

In one study, 81% of people who hoard animals described their animals as having human-like thoughts and feelings, compared with 27% of other owners. This can create a heavy sense of responsibility.

A lack of awareness about the animals’ suffering seems to be part of most, if not all, animal hoarding. The person may keep taking in animals even as their health declines.

Researchers think not seeing it may partly protect the person’s sense of self and self-worth.

A review of severe animal hoarding found that people were often older and socially isolated. Dementia, OCD and other mental health conditions were among common underlying causes.

An early public health study said animal hoarding may be a sign of mental health problems or dementia that need prompt, caring assessment.

These are often lonely people who started out caring well for their animals. Illness, money problems or a loss then made it impossible to keep up.

Rescuers see saving animals as a mission. They often resist letting animals be adopted and may have a network of people who bring them more animals.

Researchers describe a smaller group who gather animals mainly for their own needs, such as control, and who show little empathy for the animals.

These situations usually need firm action from animal welfare and legal agencies.

Animals in these homes often face poor nutrition, overcrowding and dirty conditions. Disease, injury and behavior problems are common.

In the early U.S. study, animals were found in poor condition, or had died, in 80% of cases.

Most homes where animals are hoarded have unsanitary conditions. Animal waste in living areas is found in nearly all of them.

People in these homes are often isolated and may be neglecting their own health and care.

Because animal hoarding affects health, safety and the environment, solving it often takes several agencies working together over time.

Words that can help

• “I can see how much you care about them.”
• “It’s okay to ask for help. Lots of people need it.”
• “The animals need some care right now. Can we get them help together?”
• “I’m worried about you too.”

People who hoard animals often don’t see the harm, so arguing about it rarely helps. Shame can lead them to hide animals or refuse contact.

Experts say good help includes mental health and medical care for the person, not just veterinary care for the animals.

Social services such as the local department on aging, adult protective services, health departments and mental health agencies can all help.

The ASPCA suggests contacting a local hoarding task force first, if one exists. The IOCDF keeps a list of task forces by state and country.

Animal hoarding cases are often complex and may take a long, multi-agency effort to resolve.

Ideas from the ASPCA

• Help with daily care if animals return home
• Help make sure animals are spayed or neutered and vaccinated
• Stay in touch with the person
• Volunteer at a local shelter with cleaning, walking or socializing animals

Because the bond with animals is an emotional one, giving them up is very different from letting go of objects. It can bring real grief.

Experts call for better ways to prevent people from hoarding animals again, to protect both animals and people.

The ASPCA encourages staying involved, helping with daily care and making sure any animals are spayed or neutered and vaccinated.

People who hoard animals are often isolated. Animals may have been their main source of comfort and connection.

The IOCDF Resource Directory at hoarding.iocdf.org lists therapists, clinics, programs and support groups by location.

The IOCDF also lists over 200 support groups, including groups for families and caregivers.

Outside the U.S., contact your local animal welfare organization or authorities about animals in need, and a family doctor about support for the person.

If you need to talk to someone now, findahelpline.com lists free, confidential helplines in many countries.