The Flathead County Animal Shelter is at capacity and encouraging adoptions by waiving fees.

Flathead County Public Information Officer Kim Grieser said in an email the shelter has been teetering on reaching capacity for a while. It’s a no-kill shelter, and currently has 42 dogs with no open kennels.

Grieser said animal shelter officials have reported more people surrendering their dogs due to rising costs.

“With prices skyrocketing for essentials like food and medicine for pets, to people losing shelter themselves, we’re grateful people would rather surrender than totally abandon [their pets],” Grieser said in an email.

For a limited time the shelter is waiving their $100 adoption fee. There will still be a $45 charge for a lifetime county license.

All adopted dogs and puppies have vaccinations for distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and Bordetella. They have their one-year rabies vaccination if they are three-months of age or older, age-appropriate heartworm test and parasite prevention, sterilization surgery, microchip implants and a free veterinary exam certificate for participating clinics.

For more information about the shelter, the dogs or adoption, call the shelter at 406-752-1310. See photos of adoptable pets at www.flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/animal/adoptions

Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at 406-758-4433 or by emailing [email protected].