EL PASO, Texas -- The housing crisis that has struck the nation and the borderland is hurting more than just people, but also pets.

At the Humane Society of El Paso, they said they've taken in 73 pets in the last seven months due to people moving, and while not all those individuals had to foreclose their homes, nationwide animal shelters said the housing crisis has meant more pets are being left behind.

"I think these dogs need a second chance," said Carlos Arriaga from East El Paso.

Arriaga has come to the Humane Society to find a dog for their new home.

"We've been wanting a dog for a while since we lived in an apartment, but now that we have a house, we're going to come and get one now," said Arriaga.

He's bucking the trend of people who have moved out of their homes and been forced into apartments because of the foreclosure crisis.

"In some cases this creates a crisis for the family pet also, because people may be forced to move into apartments," said Betty Hoover with the Humane Society of El Paso.

And many apartments do not allow pets. Hoover said adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment, and that you should be prepared.

"If you know as a family or an individual that you are facing a financial crisis, especially with the mortgage, plan ahead, seek an apartment complex where you can take your companion animal," said Hoover.

Arriaga said he feels lucky that he has a home suitable for a pet, and he can't imagine what it would be like to give up one of them over a financial issue.

"That's a sad situation, because like I said, you know, dogs are part of the family, and it's like having to get rid of one of your own," said Arriaga.

If you would like to find out more about adopting a pet from the Human Society of El Paso, you can call them at 532-6971