PORTLAND, Ore. -- Pet owners are making tough decisions in these economic times.

A staggering number are having to choose euthanasia for pets that need expensive, life-saving surgeries.

Humane euthanasia has more than doubled at Dovelewis Animal Hospital.

“People are deciding between putting food on the table or paying for an expensive surgery, “ said grief counselor Enid Traisman.

Traisman just held a seminar for veterinarians who are struggling with their own feelings.

“We are told to solve problems, and it’s really hard when we can’t due to financial constraints, “ Dr. Sharon Grazel said.

Pet owners say vets charge ridiculous fees.

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Holly Hudson owns a whippet named “Russia.”

“Russia got her tail caught in the door and the hospital charged us $70 just to take a look at her. They wanted to charge another $70 to put a single stitch in it,” she said.

Vets counter that bills are high because owners do not carry insurance on their animals.

“Owners have to pay out of pocket. We argue that owners are paying for experience and state-of-the-art instruments,” Grazel said.