FILE — Some of the dozens of dogs rescued from a house fire in Martinez, Calif., in January 2023. Contra Costa Animal Services is waiving adoption fees in October as its shelter hits capacity with more than 200 pets needing homes.(Contra Costa Fire Protection District via Bay City News)

Contra Costa Animal Services is offering free adoptions as its shelter reaches capacity with more than 200 pets — including 140 dogs — needing permanent or temporary homes.

CCAS is partnering with Bissell Pet Foundation to make the offer for all animals during the month of October to clear kennel space. 

It’s also seeking qualified foster homes that can accommodate large dog breeds to help manage the current shelter population.

“We’re at a critical point,” CCAS Director Ben Winkleblack said Friday in a press release. “Our shelter is full, and with nearly 20 new animals arriving each day, we urgently need the community’s support to help us find homes and foster placements.”

Interested adopters and fosters can view available pets at www.ccasd.org or come to meet them at the CCAS adoption center, 4800 Imhoff Place, Martinez.

The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A $25 licensing fee may apply for pet adoptions.