Americans who must euthanize their sick dogs and cats because they can no longer afford veterinary care are feeling guilt pangs, pet experts say.

With average annual costs of $356 for dogs and $190 for cats, veterinary care is becoming a luxury for some cash-strapped pet owners, and their animals are paying the ultimate price for the financial downtown, USA Today reported Saturday.

"People just don't have the money to do extensive treatments for their pets, so they may euthanize them sooner," said Linda Lawrence, an instructor at Michigan State University's School of Social Work and the founder of a support group for people whose pets have died. "And people who are giving them up are feeling so guilty. So the recession has also hit our animal kingdom."

"Because of the financial downturn, we're hearing from people who can't afford to provide care for their animals," added Elizabeth Strand of the University of Tennessee's Veterinary Social Work program.

She told USA Today said she recently spoke with a couple having to choose between getting treatment for their small dog, who was suffering from a treatable autoimmune disease, or paying the mortgage.