The CNY SPCA is beyond full capacity after taking in more than 60 animals recently. Those animals came from a shelter in Waterville that's being investigated for abuse.

There are so many animals that some are being kept in offices like Humane Educator Dee Schaefer's.

“It's just not on top of these animals, we have strays that are still coming in. Psychologically and physically it's very draining," said Schaefer.

A week ago, the shelter took in 60 dogs, four cats, and a bird from a shelter under investigation. Officers say Whispering Pines Animal Rescue in Waterville had dogs with serious illnesses. Those animals are now being quarantined and need time to recover before being adopted out.

It's taking a toll on workers

"Our staff gets in here from between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., and they're still cleaning and its 1:30 in the afternoon,” Schaefer says. “We have one girl cleaning the 90 dogs right now."

Schaefer says when she left the shelter Friday there were 135 dogs. Over the weekend 13 dogs were adopted out, but when she returned on Monday there were 136 dogs.

"There aren't enough homes or enough shelter or rescues — there's just not enough of us to go around," said Schaefer.

Other local shelters like Humane CNY, the Jefferson County SPCA and Helping Hounds have taken in dogs to help ease the load, but they too are struggling with occupancy.

Schaefer hopes people who can, consider adopting.

“Every single one has a story, including the little guy in my office,” Schaefer said.

To lighten the load, the shelter is asking for monetary donations, dog food and cleaning supplies.