What to Look For

Signs of Hoarding:

Extreme collection and storage of items in the home and in the yard
Accumulation of combustible materials (newspapers, magazines, boxes and rubbish)
Blocked exits (doors/windows)
Narrow pathways in the home
Rodent and/or insect infestations
Rotting food and/or used food containers
Human and/or animal waste
Long-term neglect of home maintenance
Non-working utilities, such as heat, running water, sewer, refrigeration

There are a large number of animals present.
The caretaker does not provide the minimal standards of care, and neglect often results in starvation and death.
The caretaker is neither able to provide this minimum care nor able to appreciate the impact of this on the animals, the household and the human occupants of the dwelling.
The caretaker fails to act or recognize the negative impact of the collection on themselves, others and the animals.
There is often an extreme difference between the hoarder’s public persona and his/her clandestine private life.
Unless expert psychiatric help is obtained, relapse is · common and hoarders usually return to old ways, even if convicted of cruelty to animals.