Midcoast Humane is offering fee-waived adoptions for animals over six months of age at its Brunswick Campus from Friday, Aug. 2 to Sunday, Aug. 4. The shelter says it has reached capacity, and hopes waiving adoption fees will expedite placing animals in loving homes, and create space to care for additional homeless animals.

Midcoast Humane says the lack of capacity is due, in part, to a dramatic increase in the number of owner-admitted animals. In June of 2024, the number of owner-admitted animals was almost double the number admitted in June 2023 and June 2022. In addition, the shelter says that adoptions are down, and the average length of stay for its guests has increased. Adult dogs in particular are being adopted less frequently. In July, the shelter sent 55 dogs home, the fewest in a single month all year.

The shelter says it will lose money by waiving adoption fees, but says it has no other option. Prospective adopters are invited to visit the shelter at 5 Industrial Parkway in Brunswick from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Friday, Aug. 2 to Sunday, Aug. 4. To see photos and information about all of Midcoast Humane’s adoptable animals, visit MidcoastHumane.Org.