Once again, US shelters are being inundated with surrendered animals — and, not surprisingly, the number one reason is economic hardship.

The combined costs of feeding and caring for pets have pushed a growing number of pet parents to the brink. It’s a heartbreaking decision to give up a pet that’s been part of your family for years, but some owners feel they have no other choice.

And it’s not just pet parents facing the hard realities of this economy. Costs have skyrocketed for shelters too — just as donations are drying up.

But folks can help in other ways. Some volunteers step up to care for shelter animals, while others temporarily foster pets. Safety-net programs offered by some animal welfare societies also include pet food pantries or subsidized veterinary care.