An influx in the number of dogs and cats at the City of Calgary’s animal services centre has prompted the City to reduce adoption rates this weekend in recognition of national Adopt a Shelter Pet day.

Beginning Saturday, April 28 and continuing through Monday, April 30, the cost of adopting a dog or cat from the animal services centre, located at 2201 Portland Street Southeast, will be halved. The price for dog adoptions will be $106 while cats will cost $80.

The fee includes the vaccination, microchipping and spaying or neutering of the animal. Puppies and kittens under the age of six months are exempt from the discount.

According to officials, there are currently 67 cats and 40 dogs at the shelter.  The number of cats is approaching the centre’s maximum capacity.

“We have a lot of animals right now and it’s spring, it’s only April,”said Patti Smadis, adoption specialist with Calgary Animal Services. “It’s going to be kitten season soon, puppy season soon and we’re already close to maximum capacity right now. We want to have room for all the animals that we can help.”

To see the animals available for adoption, visit Adopt a Pet.