ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) -With adoption fees set to increase soon, St. Louis County worked to find loving homes for dozens of dogs and cats.

The St. Louis County Animal Shelter in Olivette said it has more than 170 animals up for adoption.

Currently, it costs $40 to adopt, but that will increase to $80 by the end of October to cover the costs of a budget shortfall.

The health director said the best way to cut costs at the shelter is to find homes for these animals.

“Running an effective, humane shelter that gives every animal the best chance at an adoption takes people, time and significant resources. For example, to keep a dog in our care, it takes $20 a day. The average stay is 32 days, meaning it costs $640 per month,” St. Louis County Public Health Director Dr. Kanika Cunning

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