PENDER COUNTY, N.C. -- For workers at the Pender County Animal Shelter, the summer can be a busy time of year.

• The Pender County Animal Shelter is almost at capacity.
• There are other options if adoption isn't the route you want to take.
• Picture of available cats and kittens can be found here.

"This time of year, the warm weather just brings all the animals out,” shelter manager Jewell Horton said. “Love is in the air, and a couple months after love is in the air we have babies and we have lots of cats and kittens coming in this summer."

Two weeks ago, the shelter held an adoption event and was able to find homes for about 80 animals in one weekend. Just as fast as they emptied the place out, it was right back to capacity the next week. Now, they have about 60 news cats on site.

“It continues, it continues, and it's not just us, it's everywhere, but we're a small little shelter. We don't have a lot of kennel space and so that's why it's so crucial that we keep that turn over moving so we don't have to euthanize for space," she said.

Horton says the shelter only has about 80 cat kennels. Some days, she says people will come in and bring up to 10 cats in one trip.

If you're not in a position to adopt a furry friend, there's still more you can do to help.

"Another program we offer for people who want to help is our sponsorship program, and that allows you to pay all or part of the adoption fee and that encourages rescues groups and people to come in and adopt at a reduced or no cost," Horton said.

Since the shelter is at a high capacity, Horton says they can't spay or neuter every week. If there is a specific animal you want, give them a call as soon as possible.

Cats and kittens are $55, which includes vaccines, internal and external parasite control including ear mite treatment. That price also includes a microchip and spay/neuter.

Pictures of all available cats and kittens are on the Pender County Animal Shelter Facebook page. If you see one you’re interested in, write down the identification number and call in to check on their availability.