Kennel space is completely depleted at Austin Animal Center for medium and large dogs, according to a statement from Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland.

A June 4 news release reported the AAC is in “crisis mode” and is urgently requesting the help of the surrounding Austin community to find homes for the overwhelming number of dogs. This weekend, the shelter needs to find a minimum of 100 adoptive homes.

Beginning June 4, the shelter will open to the public at 100% capacity for the first time in over a year, and appointments will not be required. The AAC temporarily shut its doors in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to later open by appointments only.

Additionally, adoption fees are being waived, according to the AAC.

“This year is our tenth anniversary of being a no-kill city, and the reality of being no kill is that it takes the commitment of the entire community,” Bland said in the statement. “The community must help by keeping animals out of the shelter, helping to reunite lost pets with their families, and supporting only the animals who really, truly need us.”