The Austin Animal Center is urging people to come in this weekend to adopt medium-sized and large dogs as the shelter has reached critical capacity and is running out of space to hold animals.

The situation could worsen because of rain expected Saturday, as many animals are brought in during storms, shelter spokeswoman Jennifer Olohan said Friday.

She said the shelter had taken in nearly 100 animals in the past two days and has had to convert a conference room into kennel space to house a surplus of medium-sized and large dogs over the past six months. Staff members also are holding dogs in offices and were preparing to turn another conference room into kennel space, she said.

The shelter is always busy in the spring, when lots of puppies and kittens are born, Olohan said. Because the shelter has been above capacity already, the influx of baby animals has put the center in critical condition, she said.

"I think a part of it is we have a bigger population of medium and large dogs who are staying at the shelter for longer periods," she said.

The shelter has about 100 dogs who have been there between one and three months, which is a lot longer than the 14-day average stay before most get adopted, Olohan said.

"Small dogs and puppies fly out the door," she said. "The medium and large dogs are what we struggle with most often."

Sometimes these dogs don't have the unique markings that catch someone's eye, but that they are fantastic dogs and superfriendly, Olohan said. While plenty of people want to adopt puppies, they aren't always aware of the work that goes into training them.

"We get a lot of people who will reach out to us wanting a young dog who is potty-trained and good on a leash. Really that doesn't exist in puppy form," she said. “If you are not looking to invest a ton of training in a dog, an older dog is a great way to go."

Anyone looking to adopt a dog can visit the shelter to meet the animals or browse the shelter's website. Adoption fees are $75 and include spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, a microchip and an ID tag.

Those unable to adopt are urged to foster a dog. Previous experience as a foster owner isn't necessary, the shelter says. Anyone interested must bring in a government ID to be a foster.

"For people who are maybe interested in adopting, fostering is a really great trial run," Olohan said. "For the dogs, no matter how long, even if it is a couple days or a week, it's a break from their kennel."

The shelter at 7201 Levander Loop in East Austin is open every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.