On April 30, otherwise known as National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, the Shelby County Humane Society is waiving adoption fees.

While the shelter normally charges up to $125 for adoptions, this event was prompted by more than a holiday celebration.

According to the Shelby Humane Facebook page, the shelter is currently operating at max capacity. If they are unable to adopt out several animals soon, they will have to resort to euthanizing animals or turning strays away.

“We are currently at max capacity and need your help to save lives!” their Facebook reads. “Come on down and give a shelter pet a forever home.”

Last month the shelter reported over 270 intakes and just over 130 adoptions on their website. This has left over 200 dogs and cats still waiting to be adopted.

As the Birmingham News Lede previously reported, summer can be an overwhelming season for shelters as they are flooded with increased numbers of kittens and puppies along with pets who get lost or are abandoned on family vacations.

Summer vacations can also lead to a dip in adoption rates because people postpone adopting until they know they’ll be home more often, according to Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) spokesperson Stephanie Salvago.

GBHS will not be hosting any adoptions events on April 30, according to their website.

To view all pets currently available at Shelby Humane for adoption or fostering, visit https://www.shelbyhumane.org/adopt or see them in person at 381 McDow Road in Columbiana from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.