BOSTON -- More families are saying foreclosures are forcing them to give up their beloved pets, according to local animal shelters.

NewsCenter 5's Jorge Quiroga reported that the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is starting to track the numbers of pets that are abandoned after foreclosures.

"They have no other option because they just lost their home. It's awful, emotionally really hard for the staff and families, and I am sure for the animals, as well, because they don't know what's going on," said Meagan Rock, of the MSPCA Adoption Center.

During the past couple months, at least 15 families have surrendered their pets to the MSPCA's adoption center because they lost their homes to foreclosure. The real number is probably much higher, experts said.

"And you know they are here because they need to be because they are really in a crisis with their family and simply can't afford their pet," Rock said.

After a foreclosure, $30 to $70 to care and feed for a cat or a dog each month, plus vet bills, can be too much for families.

Pet owners said it's like breaking up their family.

"I can't imagine having to do that. It would break my heart. I couldn't do it," said Lisa Ganak, of Jamaica Plain.

The MSPCA said if pet owners face difficult financial times, they should not abandon pets. They should bring the animal to an adoption center that will try to find it a new home.