Animal Hoarding: A Complex Problem

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Animal hoarding isn’t just an animal welfare problem. It’s often a heartbreaking situation intertwined with human mental health concerns, ranging from trauma to isolation. With a commitment to inspire compassion, our response to hoarding situations takes into account this complex dynamic and strives to support the animals and the people involved. Animal hoarding often requires a multidisciplinary response, involving collaboration between animal welfare organizations, social services and local law enforcement.  

To report an animal hoarding situation in San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction, please call 619-299-7012 (press 1). 
 

Myths vs. Facts 

Myth: “Hoarders are bad people.”
Fact: Many cases involve mental health, trauma and isolation – while still causing real harm that needs intervention. Additionally, many hoarders have the intent and belief that they are helping animals but then the population gets out of control.   Myth: “If we remove the animals, the problem is solved.”
Fact: Without human support and treatment, recurrence is common.   Myth: “It’s only an animal welfare issue.”
Fact: Hoarding often involves humane wellbeing, housing safety and public health too.  

FAQs 

1. What is animal hoarding?

Animal hoarding is when someone is housing more animals than they can adequately care for, meaning they are unable to provide the animals with acceptable nutrition, sanitation, shelter and veterinary care.  

While there are legal limits to how many pets a person can own, animal hoarding isn’t defined solely by the number of animals someone has – it is defined by the capacity and conditions those animals are kept in.  

2. How is animal hoarding different from having “a lot of pets,” rescuing or fostering?

People can have many pets and still provide good care. The typical markers of a hoarding situation are:   

• Number of owned animals exceeds the legal allowance  
• Unmet basic needs (food, water, shelter, etc.) that violate the Five Freedoms of animal welfare:  
  • Freedom from hunger and thirst 
  • Freedom from discomfort 
  • Freedom from pain, injury, and disease 
  • Freedom to express normal behavior 
  • Freedom from fear and distress 
• Unsafe or unsanitary conditions 
• Denial or inability to recognize the animals’ suffering and the impact on the household 

Legitimate rescue operations and foster homes operate in sanitary, humane conditions. They provide comfortable, adequate housing for pets, including separation and isolation areas if housing many animals. They also have relationships with veterinarians and ensure animals are receiving needed medical care. Additionally, rescue and foster homes house a large number of animals temporarily, with the goal of transitioning them to permanent adoptive homes. 

3. Why does animal hoarding happen?
There isn’t one single cause. Many cases involve a combination of: 

• A genuine love for and desire to help animals that becomes overwhelming over time 
• Mental health challenges (including hoarding-related symptoms, anxiety, depression or compulsive patterns) 
• Trauma, grief or loss 
• Social isolation and lack of support 

4. Is animal hoarding the same as animal cruelty?
Sometimes hoarding involves intentional cruelty, but many situations are better described as harm caused by impairment, compulsion and denial, not malice. That said, animals can suffer severely even when the person believes they are “rescuing” them.  

Acknowledging the complex nature of hoarding helps communities respond effectively and determine how to balance the pursuit of accountability with support for the human needs causing the situation. 

5. What are common warning signs?
Signs of hoarding include:  

• Strong odors (ammonia or urine) 
• Unsanitary conditions (filth, urine stains, insects) 
• Animals with persistent fleas, visible or untreated illness, thinness 
• Many animals in windows or yard, or new animals appearing frequently at the property 
• Excessive noise (barking and howling) 

Indicators that a person may be struggling with hoarding include:  

• The person seems overwhelmed but insists “everything is fine” 
• High shame or secrecy (including refusal to allow others to enter the home) 
• Fear of authorities  
• Social withdrawal and increasing isolation 
• Potential struggles with self-hygiene or smelling strongly of animals/urine 

6. What should I do if I’m worried about a neighbor?
Reporting a suspected hoarding situation can help both the animals and people involved. If you are concerned that a neighbor is hoarding animals, we recommend the following tips:  

• Prioritize safety. Don’t enter the home or put yourself at risk. 
• Document what you observe (if safe and legal). Note dates/times, what you saw/heard/smelled, number/types of animals, and any visible medical concerns. 
• Contact local authorities. To report an animal hoarding situation in San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction, call 619-299-7012 (press 1) to reach our Humane Law Enforcement dispatch. If you suspect immediate danger to a human, contact your local police.    

7. Should I confront the person directly?
It’s usually best to avoid confrontation, as it can escalate feelings of shame, secrecy and resistance. If you have a trusted relationship with the person, a supportive, non-judgmental conversation can help open the door to receiving help. 

Try language like: 

• “I’ve been worried about you – can I help you find support for pet care?”
• “I know you love your animals. Would it help if I helped connect you to low-cost veterinary care or supplies?” 
• “This seems like a lot to manage alone. If you want, we can look at options together.” 

Avoid:

• “You’re abusing your animals.”
• “I’m calling the cops unless you fix this.” 
• Public shaming (such as posting on social media), which often increases hiding and distrust. 

9. If animals are suffering in a hoarding situation, can I remove some myself?
No, you cannot remove animals from a hoarding situation yourself. Doing so may carry legal and health risks, and can disrupt active investigations or treatment plans. It’s essential to contact the proper authorities if you suspect a hoarding situation.  10. What happens when authorities get involved?
The process for investigating and addressing an animal hoarding situation varies, but commonly includes: 

• A welfare check/investigation 
• Assessment of animal health and living conditions 
• Possible removal of animals if humane standards aren’t met 
• Potential legal consequences (in some cases) 
• Referrals to services that can help stabilize the person’s situation

A trauma-informed response matters, because fear of losing animals can be a major barrier to accepting help. Because animal hoarding is a complex situation, a response often involves collaboration between animal welfare organizations, social services and local law enforcement.  

11. Why don’t more animal hoarders face criminal charges?
Animal hoarding cases are complex and often involve underlying mental health challenges, limited resources and nuanced legal standards. While conditions may be deeply concerning, not every situation meets the legal threshold for criminal charges, which can require clear evidence of intent, neglect or cruelty as defined by law. 

In many cases, the immediate priority is ensuring animals are removed from unsafe conditions and that both the animals and people involved receive care as quickly as possible. Animal welfare organizations typically work closely with local law enforcement, prosecutors and social service agencies to assess each situation and determine the most appropriate path forward – which may include criminal charges, civil action, mandated care plans or ongoing monitoring. 

Our focus is always on protecting animals while pursuing outcomes that prevent future harm and support long-term solutions whenever possible.

12. What if I’m worried about someone’s mental health in this situation?
Animal hoarding often goes hand in hand with mental health challenges. If someone seems in crisis, overwhelmed or feeling hopeless, encourage them to access immediate support. 

In the U.S., people can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers 24/7 crisis support. If there is imminent danger, call 911. 

Additional sources: 

• ASPCA overview of animal hoarding ASPCA
• National Link Coalition: animal hoarding and multidisciplinary response nationallinkcoalition.org 
• American Psychiatric Association: Hoarding Disorder (DSM-5 context) American Psychiatric Association 
• 988 Lifeline (how to get help) + SAMHSA 988 FAQs 988 Lifeline+1