For the first time in its history, The Austin Animal Center announced June 7 that it is not accepting animals surrendered by owners because the center is overcapacity.

The Austin Animal Center is also waiving fees this weekend to encourage the community to adopt or foster a pet, according to a news release from the center. The center is overcapacity by more than 100 kennels for both dogs and cats, and the shelter has more than 1,000 pets available for adoption.

"We have experienced an extremely high intake rate this past week," said Chris Noble, assistant chief animal services officer, in a statement. "We are getting animals dropped off from all parts of the county and outside the county, and we can't keep up with the demand. All of these animals are in peril at this time, and people with pets need to find an alternate source other than surrendering them to the city shelter."

Pet adoptions will take place at both the Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop, and at Town Lake Animal Center, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St. The Austin Animal Center is waiving fees on all pet adoptions through June 9.

The center is open from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. daily. For more information and to see pets available for adoption, visit www.austinanimalcenter.org.