The Huntsville Animal Shelter on Triana Boulevard has reached a critical capacity.

The shelter is currently overwhelmed so Huntsville Animal Services has put out a call for people to foster or adopt some of the animals, the city said on its website.

According to the post, every kennel is full, primarily with large dogs who have been waiting weeks, some even longer and are feeling the effects. They’re stressed, under-stimulated and in urgent need of love, care and individualized attention that the shelter environment simply can’t provide, the city said.

“Our large dogs are suffering the most right now,” Huntsville Animal Services Director John Fischer said. “They’re kind, smart and loyal animals, but they’re getting overlooked because they don’t stand out in a noisy kennel. Even just a few days in a home can help them decompress, shine and give us a better picture of who they are.”

Animal Services asks residents to consider fostering to rehome for a couple of weeks to help match dogs with a family, fostering to adopt to see if they are a right fit or have a dog for a sleepover to give them a break, especially since many will be under stress from Fourth of July fireworks.

To become a foster, residents must live in Madison County, be 19 or older and complete a foster application. Potential fosters can then visit the shelter to find a dog that matches their home and lifestyle.

Animal Services is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shelter will be closed on Friday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday. Call 256-883-3782, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Animal, or visit their Facebook page to learn more.

“Our community has always stepped up when it mattered most,” Fischer said. “We’re at one of those moments now. Please consider fostering or adopting. Our dogs are counting on you.”