ORLANDO, Fla. -- A sagging economy is being blamed for an "alarming" spike in the number of pet owners giving up their animals, a rescue group said.

During the last five months, pets have become an inconvenient expense for hundreds of Central Florida families, Local 6 has learned.

"You know, when it comes down to it, you've got to support your children before you support your pugs," Central Florida Pug Rescue Co-Founder Ann Colby said.

"To actually own a dog and to be able to treat it properly, it's very expensive," pet owner Stephanie Bilodeau said. "And with gas prices going up and even milk alone, people can't afford it."

The situation is so bad that many animal rescue groups are launching a foster home campaign to find temporary homes for pets no one can afford to keep.

The Central Florida Pug Rescue is seeing an alarming increase in owner surrenders, Local 6's Mike Holfeld reported.

The group is recruiting foster homes with an innovative approach -- food and veterinarian expenses are covered. Participants just need to provide a temporary home and love.

"(If) you have the room (and) you have the love, it's great to foster a pug until they find their forever home," Michelle Sideulla said.

Sideulla's dog was surrendered when its owner had to leave a home and did not want to pay a pet deposit at a new home.

Colby said she has been applying for grants to help subsidize the overwhelming costs.

"We are trying to find every avenue where we keep the families together," Colby said.

The PETCO Foundation is working to keep pets and owners together with a new grant program called We Are Family Too.

The SPCA of Central Florida also specializes in offering a place for pet owners who can't afford to keep, Holfeld reported.

"As long as the pet is happy, health and poses not threat to themselves or others, they will stay at the SPCA of Central Florida until they are adopted," SPCA representative Jake White said.

For more information contact Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals International representative Jake White at 407-248-144 or Orlandopets.org

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For pug adoption information, please e-mail Wendi Wilcox .

For volunteer information or information about becoming a foster home, please e-mail Judi Nunes .

And for surrenders, please call 407-756-4998.

Also, visit Yorkie Friends Rescue Corporation to help.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.