Avery Associates

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Do You Need A House Cleared Where There Is Animal Hoarding?

July 13, 2018 By Avery Associates

Do you need a property cleared for probate?

Before a property can be sold or rented after someone has passed away, it may very need to be cleared from the top to the bottom, from the attic to the cellar and garden. Property clearance is usually done as one of the steps needed for probate clearance. Sometimes, the property was lived in by a collector or hoarder and they may have not only hoarded furniture, clothes, books and paper, but also, more sadly, pets.

What condition is the property in?

Is the property you have to clear in pristine condition or are you in the difficult position of having to deal with a property that has been occupied by a hoarder? Having cleared literally hundreds of properties for probate, Avery Associates can help you with any type, size or condition of property.

Hoarded properties and pets

A hoarded property has its own set of problems that need special attention to control and remove. Oftentimes hoarders do not only accumulate goods and chattels, they also collect pets and keep them in unsuitable environments that endanger the animals. Special measures in these circumstances must be taken fast.

In the case of pet hoarding, concerns and proper care for the animals takes the first priority. People who hoard often do have many pets too and the conditions these animals are kept is below standard with no care for the animals’ needs. We work closely with animal care and protection societies such as the RSPCA and Cat Protection Society when needed. Pets that people most frequently hoard include cats, dogs and birds although reptiles and insects can also be hoarded.

Common denominators when it comes to animal hoarding

According to The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Foundation, there are some common denominators to hoarding animals. These include inadequate food and care for the animals, keeping far too many animals and keeping them in unhealthy and in unsuitable spaces. Hoarders are renowned for keeping too much of one thing and unfortunately in the case of hoarding pets, this really can lead to horrific circumstances for the animals.

The first priority where pets are concerned is the welfare and immediate protection of the animals. The second concern is removal of waste and ensuring sanitation.

Hoarding pets and sanitation

Hoarders rarely hoard methodically. This means that the conditions that pets have been subjected to are not healthy or sanitised and often live in cramped and over-crowded conditions. Once the pets have been removed safely from a hoarded property, the next thing to start work on is the removal of potentially toxic waste.

Hoarding pets usually creates contaminated areas with animal excretion. Hoarders most often themselves live in filthy conditions and the same is true for the animals they keep.

House clearance in contaminated areas

Contaminated areas have to be cleaned thoroughly but this is a cautionary note to anyone attempting to clean a house without professional help: toxoplasmosis may be present in the cat waste and dust in the property and special protective equipment may be required.

The risk of Toxoplasma gondii

A parasite called Toxoplasma gondii which mostly occurs in dust particles undercooked meat and cat excrement is responsible for causing a condition known as toxoplasmosis, particularly dangerous for pregnant women. House clearing where the hoarder has kept many cats as does often happen, has to be done with health and safety protective clothing.

Protective clothing

Properties where hoarding has taken place usually have masses of dust and filthy surfaces, walls and floors. Dust itself can be contaminated and clearing hoarders’ homes, one needs to rely on professional help and specialised clothing. This can take the form of disposable gloves, full length dust and particle protection overalls, risk masks, shoe protectors and protective head gear.

Ethical house clearance

Avery Associates can offer client confidentiality as all staff sign confidentiality agreements to assure clients the best courtesy and care. If there are confidential papers or sensitive material found, this will be given to the owner.

House clearing a hoarded property for probate is one of the hardest types of house clearing especially when animals are involved. The problems associated with hoarders are many and it is definitely advisable to call for professional help if there are any animals in the property. For an obligation free consultation, call Avery Associates on 0800 567 7769.

Filed Under: Compulsive Hoarding Tagged With: Hoarded properties and pets, Hoarding pets and sanitation, House clearance in contaminated areas, The risk of Toxoplasma gondii

Our House Clearance Services

We provide a full house clearance and property management solution:

  • We clear hoarded houses, regardless how big or how cluttered
  • We clear all types and sizes of property, irrespective of location, or access is restricted or where parking is difficult or not available.
  • We can help avoid water damage by draining the central heating system.
  • We can secure the property and change the locks.
  • We can reinstate the gardens and maintain them whilst the property is empty.
  • We can provide 24 hour security to eliminate the risk of squatting or unlawful occupation.

As well normal house clearances we specialise in clutter clearance and we can clear a hoarded house which may contain years of accumulated possessions, or which have abnormal amounts of general household items, sometimes as a result of compulsive hoarding syndrome.

Equally we can help to clear a property where the occupants were previously unwell and unable to care for themselves or their property which sometimes results in insanitary, dangerous or just plain unpleasant conditions.

More info

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Client Reviews

Oct 6, 2020
by Edward Harvey on Avery Associates
Probate Contents Valuation London

Dear Jeffrey, Following your recent valuations, one for the property and the other for personal belongings etc, at the property in Lower Road London... Read More

Oct 5, 2020
by Mr Wood on Avery Associates
House Clearance In Oxford

Dear Jeff. I can not thank you enough . The house clearance wen like clock work. What a great team you sent me. Mr Wood

Oct 5, 2020
by Michael Hasning on Avery Associates
House Clearance Abingdon

“Avery Associates have supported me as the Executor to my late mother’s estate. In the first instance I found their website an excellent source of information... Read More

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Avery Associates
291 Mitcham Rd
Tooting SW179JQ

Tel: 0800 567 7769 or 0208 640 0044

Services provided throughout London and the Home Counties. View our clearance case studies.


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