Lolita, a 5-year-old domestic long hair cat, relaxes in her kennel. Lolita was given up by her family after they fell on hard financial times.

The Chicago Department of Animal Control, 2741 South Western Ave., has been inundated with dogs and cats in recent months due to the nationwide financial crisis. Volunteers are needed to walk, clean and entertain the animals, as well as other responsibilities. The facility takes in approximately 24,000 dogs and cats each year and works hard to find homes for each and every one.

Read more about the Chicago Department of Animal Control in The Chronicle’s previous coverage.