Some struggling pet owners are barely holding on with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments going out late during a government shutdown that is the longest on record.

Now, nonprofits are asking for pet food donations to prevent desperate owners from surrendering their dogs and cats to animal shelters.

In New Orleans, Zeus’ Rescues gave out a ton of pet food in October, double the normal amount, said founder Michelle Cheramie, who said this is the highest demand she’s seen in 20 years.

“It’s heartbreaking,” she said, noting that some people are so desperate they are dumping animals in the shelter’s yard.

Among those seeking help there Thursday was Katie Saari, who is unemployed because of health issues and struggling to set up interviews to get SNAP benefits amid the shutdown. Out of money, she needed food for her two dogs.

“They’re more important to me than I am, so I want to make sure they’re fed first,” she said. “They’re my babies.”

AP Video shot by Stephen Smith