Updated at: 12/02/2009 9:42 AM | KSAX.com
By: Megan Matthews
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Alexandria Humane Society Almost Full to Capacity, Again

ALEXANDRIA, MINN. - The Lakes Area Humane Society is almost full to capacity, and as the holiday approaches there will be more, according to Director Christin Klimek.

The shelter can hold 40 cats and 25 dogs.  Right now, there are 11 dogs and 36 cats in the shelter.

"We've seen it all year.  We've had some peaks throughout the summer, but now we're seeing it again.  People simply can't afford their pets," Klimek said.

These tough economic times are affecting people and their pets, according to Klimek.  Pet owners who lose their jobs or have to move are giving up their pets.  While dogs are more expensive than cats, the shelter typically has more cats, especially this time of year.

"It's that typical season that some of the outdoor kitties that people have seen all year; it's getting cold out, so they want to bring them in so they have shelter for the winter," Klimek explained.

The shelter has 19 cats up for adoption right now along with four dogs.  Klimek expects the number of adoptions will increase as the holiday gets closer.

"The holiday season we do see a slight increase.  We do really try to help people make good decisions," Klimek said.

People should think twice before giving a pet as a gift.  Instead, Klimek encourages people to surprise loved ones by bringing them here to look at pets.

"To see if it's really a good fit for them," Klimek said, because when the holiday's over some animals given as gifts end up back in the shelter.

"We do see some of that unfortunately when they've given as presents," Klimek said.  She thinks the shelter will stay crowded for a while.

"I think for awhile it's going to continue.  I know other shelters, just as ours, are experiencing the same sort of problems," Klimek said.

For more information on adopting a pet or would like to donate to the shelter, click here to visit their website.

Written for the web by Megan Matthews

megan@ksax.com