The SPCA of Brevard was busy Saturday.
People were visiting the shelter, and some were taking cats home.
The reason the shelter was busy is a sad one, though.
On Friday the shelter announced it had taken in three kittens, all horribly burned with acid. The kittens and their mother were strays in a Titusville neighborhood. A good Samaritan who was feeding the cats brought them in when she saw their injuries.
- PREVIOUS STORY: Good Samaritan saves kittens burned with acid
As horrible as the story is, spokesperson Susan Naylor said these stories bring people into the shelter. Many have called offering to foster or adopt. A Youcaring account for the kittens blew through its $2,000 goal in a day.
Naylor said while the case is very serious, they get special cases like these kittens in all the time.
"We want to help any animals that come through our doors," Naylor said. "We take in all the cases that people either won't do because they don't know how or they can't afford them."
But the shelter definitely sees an uptick in business after stories like this one get media coverage. And it's not alone.
Last year Orange County Animal Services took in 34 dogs after a dog fighting ring was busted in Apopka. The shelter is often bursting with dogs and cats that need homes, so the influx of 34 dogs means some animals may get euthanized for space and time.
The shelter held an adopt-a-thon, and in one day 140 of the shelter's 400 animals were adopted.
Naylor thinks, as horrible as these stories are, they make people think.
"In day-to-day life, people don't always think about homeless animals in shelters," Naylor said. "The stories bring the issue to the forefront."
Naylor said SPCA is fortunate compared to other shelters. Businesses like The Irish Pub and Eatery support the shelter. They have an beautiful facility that people are comfortable visiting. They also have two satellite cat adoption centers, one at Merritt Square Mall and one at Melbourne Square Mall.
Still, they have over 200 cats available between the three centers, including a room full of kittens.
"Go to your local shelter or rescue," Naylor said. "You should know the situation of the animals in your community. Even if you can't adopt, you can volunteer, donate, see where they need help."
Many area shelters are full of dogs and cats right now and offering promotions.
- SPCA of Brevard -- Titusville
The entire month of August, any cat 9 months or older is $9 to adopt - Orange County Animal Services -- Orlando
Summer Splash: All animals are $5, $10, $15 or free to adopt
Cats all year long are adopt one, get one free
Seniors 55 years and older can adopt a dog or cat 6 years and older for free - Osceola County Animal Services -- Kissimmee
Through August 22, if you donate $30 in school supplies, cat and dog adoption fees are waived - Seminole County Animal Services -- Sanford
Through August, pet adoptions are $17.76, plus the $5 county license fee - Halifax Humane Society -- Daytona Beach
Through Sunday, adult cats are $5, kittens are $10 - Lake County Animal Services -- Tavares
August 15 only: Dog adoption fees waived during All Paws on Deck Mega Adoption event - Flagler Humane Society -- Palm Coast
All through August, adopt a cat for $9.
Flagler Humane Society is helping nearby Putnam County with its overcrowding problem. Any dog from Putnam County can be adopted for $25 through August 22