PET SURRENDERS UP -- LOCAL ORGANIZATION SAYS OWNERS ARE OUT OF MONEY

Pet surrenders are up across the nation -- including locally. We've seen crowded shelters in both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, or PAWS organization says they are caring for more than 200 animals that need a new home. Patricia Roberts and Linda Signer run the organization. They say for most people who surrender their pets, it's a case of not having the money to care for them. They also say many people adopted pets during COVID when they were home, but now don't have the time or money to care for them.