A growing number of Americans are giving up their dogs and cats to animal shelters as the emotional bonds between people and pets get tested by economic ones.

From the Malvern, Pa., man who turned his two dogs over in order to help pay for his mother’s cancer treatments, to the New York woman who euthanized her cat rather than keeping it alive with expensive medications, rising economic anxieties make it increasingly difficult for some pet owners to justify spending $1,000 a year or more on pet food, veterinary services and other costs.

The population growth at animal shelters in Connecticut, Nebraska, Texas, Utah and other states shows how the weak economy is also shrinking the pool of potential adopters. And it coincides with a drop-off in government funding and charitable donations.

The effect has been cramped quarters for dogs and cats, a faster rate of shelters euthanizing animals and some shelters turning away people looking to surrender pets, according to interviews with several shelters and animal advocates. Of the estimated 6 million to 8 million dogs and cats sent to animal shelters every year, half are euthanized and the rest adopted, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

“It’s definitely discouraging for us,” said Adam Goldfarb, a Humane Society spokesman. “One of our major goals is to develop and celebrate the bond between people and animals. It’s so tragic when families reach a point when they can’t afford to care for their pets.”

There is no nationwide data being collected on the reasons dogs and cats are being abandoned by their owners, but shelter managers and advocates for animals say the trend is undeniable — and probably a bigger phenomenon than they are aware of.

“People are embarrassed to admit that’s why they’re giving up their pets,” said Betsy McFarland, the Humane Society’s director of communications for companion animals.

An Associated Press-Petside.com poll found that one in seven owners nationwide reported reduced spending on their pets during the past year’s recession. Of those cutting back, more than a quarter said they have seriously considered giving up their pet.

In Omaha, Neb., the Nebraska Humane Society‘s shelter began tracking for the first time this year those pets given up because of financial constraints. Through mid-November, more than 275 pets were given up because their owners said they couldn’t afford to keep them. (Source-Yahoo News)

Having to give up a pet can inflict deep emotional scars on a family, especially the children who don’t understand economic realities. They don’t appreciate the difficult choice their parents have to make, surrendering their family pet to ensure they can be fed and clothed.

Here’s my suggestion: if you can afford to temporarily adopt the pet of a family member, a friend or a neighbor, do it to help them through this rough time. They can rest easy knowing their companion is well taken care of and loved, and can plan for the day when they can once again make them a part of their family. Sure, it will be a sacrifice and may require a bit of adjustment for your family. But think of how much this simple sacrifice will mean to someone enduring a difficult period in their lives. I bet their owners would be happy to help out, grooming and walking their pet for you, even watching them on days you won’t be at home.

Think what a great gift this would be for a friend or neighbor. And the pet will be grateful for being able to remain close to its family and being able to look forward to the day when it can join them again.