The Arizona Humane Society is currently working to get 38 Chihuahuas ready for adoption after removing them from a foreclosed home in Phoenix on Friday.

Most of the Chihuahuas are afraid of Humane Society workers, said AHS spokeswoman Bretta Nelson.

"On site, they were hiding from our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians and either avoiding them or nipping at them," Nelson said in an email. "Here at AHS, they are very avoidant and fearful, trying to hide from us as they shake."

The dogs had been living in a house near 46th Street and McDowell Road in Phoenix amid poor conditions. AHS worked with the owner to remove the dogs after he was evicted from the home last week.

The AHS behavior team is working to gain their trust, Nelson said, and spend time sitting in a kennel with the dogs to try and get them to show interest in the trainers.

"It is very important to us that we go very slow with them and let them interact on their terms," Nelson said.

As of Monday, only a 12-year-old dog and a few of the puppies let anyone handle them, she said.

The dogs range in age from one-week to 12 years old. AHS officials believe two of the dogs are pregnant.

The owner had "simply gotten in over his head," according to Nelson.

"Often times in situations like this, if pets are not spayed/neutered they will reproduce, leading to dozens of pets living in one home," Nelson said.

That can lead to complications for owners.

"As the number of pets increases it can become very challenging to ensure they get everything they need and to keep up with maintaining the living conditions," Nelson said.

The Humane Society is working to give the dogs medical care and vaccinate them. They also plan to spay and neuter some of the dogs this week.

Nelson said some of the puppies might be available for adoption as early as late June, but the older dogs could take longer. The mother of the week-old puppies and the pregnant dogs will likely go into foster homes. AHS is also looking into help from other rescue groups.

To become a foster parent for any of these Chihuahuas, visit theAHS website at azhumane.org/foster and take the general online orientation. Then, submit a foster application, and AHS will call within 24-48 hours.

People also can inquire with the agency about adoptions.