GREENSBORO, N.C. – Earlier this year, people across the country began adopting pets as they spent more time at home.

The Guilford County Animal Shelter almost emptied out, and now, months later, it is still far from being at capacity.

“You come to work in the morning and you wonder, 'is this the day when the animals start coming in?',” Director Jorge Ortega said.

It's a big change.

When Ortega came to the shelter a few years ago, there were so many animals that some had be put in hallways in pop-up crates.

He says this time last year, they could have around 80 dogs available for adoption. Right now, there are fewer than a dozen.

The empty kennels have also given staff the chance to give the animals more individual care. Instead of rushing to get to each animal, they can focus more on specific enrichments.

“Those silver linings within this pandemic is that we have been doing more transfers to our rescue partners and our adoptions, the process is much better. I think we’re doing better matches,” Ortega said.

Adoptions are by appointment only, which helps staff give people and the animals the attention they need to make the right choice.