The Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania is offering July 4 discounts on pet adoptions in an effort to relieve overcrowding at the shelter.

As part of the special, cats 6 months or older cost $17.76 to adopt, and kittens are $76. Usual prices range between $50 and $75 for adult cats and $100 for kittens.

Adopters will also receive a discount of $15 off the $105 cost to adopt dogs and $150 for puppies.

The open-door shelter, with locations in Homewood and Verona, is currently at full capacity, housing more than 800 cats and 175 dogs.

"We're bursting at the seams," said Executive Director Charlotte Grimme, adding that if overcrowding continues, the pets will have to be euthanized.

Each adopted animal has up-to-date vaccinations, an implanted microchip, and is spayed or neutered.

The adoption specials began yesterday and will run until July 13.

Summer is typically a busy time for the shelter, but this is the worst situation in recent memory, said Ms. Grimme.

While adoptions have remained steady, there has been a flood of admissions. Ms. Grimme attributed the flood of unwanted animals to the current economic climate, since people have less money to keep pets.

The Animal Rescue League has programs to assist pet owners during the recession and runs a pet food pantry.