With the Stamford Animal Shelter at capacity, shelter managers are urging people to open their hearts and homes before they are forced to put down the animals.

There are 21 dogs, six cats, one bunny, a hamster and even a ferret. The shelter currently has five empty cages, and shelter officials say by the end of the week the shelter could easily be maxed out.

Shelter officials say they've never had to euthanize an animal because of overcrowding yet. They are urging people thinking about adopting to get to know the animals in need of a home.