Officials with a Las Vegas valley non-profit pet shelter now say the majority of the animals in their care have been surrendered by their former owners.

The shocking statistics coming from the Nevada SPCA, detailing that 70% of their adoptable pets once had homes.

Officials with the shelter say many people are now coming in to surrender or give up their pets because they no longer can afford them. Shelter reps explained that recent financial times, specifically the recent inflation of common household prices has led to the uptick in pet surrenders.

Lori Heeren, the Executive Director of the Nevada SPCA, says they expect to see nearly 2,500 owners surrendering pets this year alone.

“People can’t pay for their own groceries, and so sadly we’re finding a lot of people who can’t pay for their pets,” she said. “There are so many people right now in the valley that cannot afford to buy food for their pets, and we don’t want that to be a reason why you should surrender your animal."

To tackle a rising cost of pet food, the Nevada SPCA is hoping the community will bring the luck of the Irish to the shelter this St. Patrick’s Day.

On Friday, those with the shelter are celebrating what they’re calling "St. Catty’s Day," a pet food donation drive to replenish their pet food pantry. The pantry is a local resource that gives free pet food to locals – an effort to keep pets in need with the families who love them.

“That’s why it’s so important that people support our pet pantry, and other pet pantries across the valley, so that we can provide pet food and keep the pets in the home with the owners that they love,” added Herren.

The Nevada SPCA pet pantry is completely donation driven and reps with the shelter say they are currently in dire need of cat food -- both canned and dry food. If you would like to donate -- or sign up to schedule an appointment to pick up free food for your dog or cat -- visit the Nevada SPCA website.

For additional information, call (702) 873-7722. Shelter hours of operation are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.