ELKHART CO — Domestic animals are perhaps the most helpless victims of recent layoffs and an uncertain economy. Right now local animal shelters are overcrowded because pet owners can't afford to take care of their animals.

It's not something shelters are prepared for. Usually the winter months are pretty slow. It's a time for employees to recuperate and get ready for the spring and summer rush. But this winter it's been quite a different story.

Mishawaka Pet Refuge Coordinator Sandy Parr can quickly point out three dogs who were recently brought to the shelter because of home foreclosures.

She can also tell you countless stories about the people who used to own many of the pets at Pet Refuge.

"Yesterday we had two young people come to the door with a small dog, plus a cage with 3 parakeets in it," said Parr. "They'd lost their home, they had no car, they were just walking the streets."

At the Humane Society of Elkhart County, Eric Durcinka said a lot of people say they're dropping off a pet because they're moving into an apartment where they can't have animals.

Usually Elkhart County receives about 300 animals per month in the winter. This year, the average is 520.

The shelter also has overnight drop boxes originally designed for strays. Durcinka said many pet owners are now leaving their dogs and cats. Sometimes those animals are very sick.

"I know the toll it's taking emotionally on our staff is overwhelming," Durcinka told WSBT News.

Both he and Sandy Parr agree -- there are ways to make owning a pet more affordable.

Their first suggestion: talk to your vet about cheaper ways to keep your dog or cat healthy. Second, shop around to find the best deals on food. You can also call your local animal shelter to get cheap or free food.

WSBT also learned one animal agency in Michigan sees more animals being abused when economic times are tight. Animal abuse or mistreatment is against the law. It is punishable by fines and arrests.

To find out how much a typical vet visit costs for a dog, WSBT called 10 local veterinary offices and asked how much it would cost for a 3-year-old dog to get a standard checkup, vaccines and heart worm test.

The average price came to $125.

For more information, visit the Humane Society of Elkhart County, Mishawaka's Pet Refuge, Animal Aid of Southwest Michigan or The Humane Society of St. Joseph County.