Animal hoarding is a growing issue across the country, and it isn't just about having too many pets.

"If you can get it, you can hoard it," said Dr. Randall Lockwood, a retired Senior VP for the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) .

He's encountered cases involving everything from reptiles, to horses, pigeons, parrots, goats, tarantulas and even beavers. Still, 80-85% of cases involve dogs and cats, with cats being slightly more extreme.

Here's what to know and how you can help.

What is animal hoarding?

Dr. Lockwood defines animal hoarding as a situation in which a person has more animals than they can properly care for.

"The thing that characterizes true animal hoarding," he explained, "is that there is very little insight or awareness into the problems."

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