Animal shelters packed in tough economy

NORFOLK, Va. - At the Norfolk SPCA, there's no room to spare.

A kennel designed for one dog, these days, is forced to hold two.

During our visit we could hear how upset Chloe and Tiffany were at being cooped up. Their owners are likely feeling the same way. But these days, the loss of a job, and the lack of money mean some tough choices.

Michelle Williams with the Norfolk SPCA said, "It's a hard day and you see people come in, and they have to surrender them just because they don't have another choice at this time."

These days, about 20 percent of animals are coming in because of the owners' financial issues. And, at the Norfolk SPCA, adoptions are down, so the private non-profit, no-kill shelter is filled to the brim.

WAVY.com did some digging, and found the Norfolk SPCA isn't alone. Several shelters, including the Virginia Beach SPCA and the Peninsula SPCA are seeing the same thing.

"They asked me if I would help them to take care of their dogs, and I said no problem, until they can find a place that's suitable, so they can have their babies back," said Loretta Green.

Green is willingly putting herself through the strict adoption process. Remember Chloe and Tiffany? Green has agreed to take them home until her friends, the dogs' true owners get back on their feet.

And, animal shelters recognize pet owners may need just a little bit of help to get through some tough financial times. Many of them tell WAVY.com they've helped pet owners with food.