There are many different items that people choose to hoard. Some might accumulate clothes and shoes, while others prefer books or toys – just to name a few. These items may seem harmless, but can be treacherous when they begin to inhibit living space and provide a haven for dust, mold, bugs, and rodents. Other collecting habits can pose immediate health hazards, such as trash, not only to the hoarder, but also to any other people or animals living in the vicinity. Some hoarders take in animals, thinking they are helping them, when in all reality they have too many to care for properly. In these cases, it can become difficult not only to feed them and pay for vet care, but also to clean up after them. This is detrimental to the health of the owner and the animals as well the surrounding community due to the risk of spreading zoonotic diseases (Steketee, Gibson, Frost, Alabiso, Arluke, & Patronek 2011).
Steketee, G., Gibson, A., Frost, R. O., Alabiso, J., Arluke, A., & Patronek, G. (2011, June). Characteristics and antecedents of people who hoard animals: An exploratory comparative interview study. Review of General Psychology, 114-124. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.nwmissouri.edu
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