While humans deal with a tough economy, so does man’s best friend.

More pet owners are having to give up their pets when they can no longer afford care, according to managers at local animal shelters such as TAILS Humane Society and the DeKalb County Animal Shelter.

“We [are taking] in a greater number of animals that are severely ill or injured,” said TAILS executive director Beth Drake.

“More people are relinquishing for financial reasons than ever before.”

Many cases of relinquished pets have involved pet owners moving from homes to apartments, where pets are not allowed, said Roberta Shoaf, director of the DeKalb County Animal Shelter.

Sixty-five percent of TAILS’ budget comes from private donations, Drake said.

“Donors are more cautious and expenses have increased, as well as the sheer number of animals that come in to us,” Drake said.

“It’s kind of a double whammy for us.”

The county shelter, also funded by private donations, has experienced its share of financial woes as well.

“Our heating bill and our electric bill have not gone down; we have the same number of staff. It’s difficult to cut costs at an animal shelter,” Shoaf said.

TAILS and the county shelter are limited admissions facilities, which means the shelters will turn away animals if space is not available, Drake said.

Open admissions shelters, as the name suggests, generally take all animals that come to the door, but those shelters will likely have to euthanize animals, Drake said. TAILS has room for about 160 cats and 40 dogs, Drake said.

County shelter staff tell those wanting to turn in animals to call back until space is available, Shoaf said. “When one gets adopted, one can come in,” she said.

Sycamore resident Stephanie Sheets looked for a dog at TAILS because of the weak economy. Sheets and her brother have an AKC Boston terrier and are looking to get another dog but can’t afford to go to a breeder again.

“Because the economy is so rough, we’re looking to adopt from a shelter,” Sheets said, where dogs cost less.

Melanie Long’s family has purchased both a dog and a cat from TAILS. Despite the recession, Long, a Cortland resident, said her family isn’t in any danger of having to return the dog or cat.