ATTLEBORO - With foreclosures on the rise, more and more pets are being brought to shelters when their masters and former home owners get an apartment or other accommodations where pets aren't allowed.

But many shelters are already jammed with unwanted animals, especially cats, which creates a danger that a newly homeless pet will be abandoned if an owner can't find a place for it fast.

Animal care officials urge foreclosed pet owners to contact them as quickly as possible and get advice and help on placing their pets.

The earlier the better, they said.

And they point out that abandoning a pet is a crime that can be prosecuted in the courts. "They definitely should never abandon their pet," said Meagan Rock, manager for the Animal Care and Adoption Center for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Rock said there are numerous shelters throughout the state, one of which might be able to help.

In addition, diligent attempts to place the pet with a family member or friend or some other responsible and caring person should be made, she said.

The MSPCA can be used as a resource to help with the efforts.

Local animal care officials warn that space is very limited and people who know they will need a place for their pet should begin looking well before they need to give it up.

"We encourage home owners to get involved with us as soon as possible so we can get them on a waiting list," said Diane Beltran, the cat care coordinator for the Friends of the Attleboro Animal Shelter.

The shelter also has a list of contact numbers for other shelters where help may be available. They include:

Nine Lives, Norton, 508-285-5159, NineLivesShelter@yahoo.com

Advocats, Providence, 401-421-1399, www.parl.org

Baypath Humane, Hopkinton, 508-435-6938, www.BaypathHumane.org Forever Paws, Fall River, 508-677-9154, www.ForeverPaws.com

Friends of Cats, Attleboro, 508-431-6700

Neponset Valley, Norwood, 781-769-1990, www.nvHumaneSociety.org

Animal Volunteer Service, Providence, 401-941-6830

MSPCA, Brockton, 508-586-2053, www.MSPCA.org

MSPCA, Boston, 617-522-5055, www.MSPCA.org