Workers at an animal shelter in Camden County say the shelter has reached max capacity – an issue they haven’t seen in years. And they are now hoping that the community will step up to adopt some pets.

“Currently we have over 300 cats in the building, and we also have about 130 dogs,” says Shawna Donahue, lifesaving programs manager for Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center, in Blackwood.

Donahue says the shelter is in dire need after seeing many owners surrender their pets.

“During COVID we had a lot of families come in adopt or foster because they were home… and not that things are starting to get back to normal, I think everyone is going on vacations and going back to their lives and they don’t have time for their animals,” Donahue says.

The shelter does not have room for any more animals.

“Last night we actually set up some pop-up cases for dogs because we need them,” Donahue says.

To encourage more adoptions, the shelter is lowering adoption fees to $25 for most dogs and cats through Sunday. They are also looking for foster parents. They say it is a simple process to get started with.

“You take them, we can supply food if you need it – bowls, beds, whatever you need. Basically, you just check in with us every couple of days or weeks – however long you’re planning on having them,” Donahue says.

She says people can foster pets for a weekend, a few months or anywhere in between.

“If they’re adopted, and that’s fabulous, but if you’re only able to do what you can, anything helps,” Donahue says.

Those looking to adopt a pet need a form of identification, a leash and collar for a dog or a cat carrier for a cat.

Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Blackwood will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.