Every crate and pen is full at several local animal shelters, but every day they are getting more and more animals. Now those shelters are pleading with the public to adopt before it’s too late for some of these pets.

The summer months are typically really busy for shelters because it’s Kitten Season.

The Osceola County Animal Shelter is used to seeing lots of kittens turned in on a daily basis, but this year they are struggling to keep up with the record breaking number of animals they are seeing.

In just 12 days in June, about 453 cats and dogs were turned into Osceola County Animal Shelter.

“We are getting so many animals so quickly. we are running out of space, even for the healthy adoptable-type animals,” said Kim Staton, director of the Osceola County Animal Shelter. “And when that happens we have to pull from our adoption areas.”

Without room, the shelter has no choice but to euthanize.

With an average of 35 animals arriving each day, they need about 35 adoptions a day to keep up. However, so far adoption rates haven’t kept up.

“Right now, the immediate need is to get more animals out, and it’s an everyday situation,” Staton said.

Osceola County isn’t the only shelter struggling. This week the Orange County Animal Shelter reported they’re also seeing dozens of animals every day that are being surrendered by their owners.

Now both shelters are trying to encourage pet owners to think of the shelter as a last resort.

“Only relinquish a pet if it’s absolutely necessary because these animals rely on us for everything. Owned animals have a really difficult time getting adopted for the simple fact that they are used to being in a home,” Staton explained.

In hopes of getting more animals adopted, the Osceola County Animal Shelter is having a special adoption event this weekend.

  • Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

All Cat Adoption fees will be waived. All Dog Adoption Fees will be reduced to $20.

You can find more information, and look at adoptable pets on the Osceola County Animal Shelter website.

 In Orange County, all cats are currently free to adopt and they have many kittens that need homes. You can look at adoptable pets on the Orange County Animal Services website.