The closure of the Florida East Coast Humane Society at the end of October could create a strain on the resources of St. Johns County Animal Control.

Animal Control said it's already busting at the seams and is expecting to get even more crowded. Last month, officials said business increased by 43 percent in terms of the number animals brought into the facility.

The Florida East Coast Humane Society recently announced it would be closing its doors on Oct. 31 because of financial troubles. Many of its animals that are not adopted by then could end up at animal control.

Since the Humane Society stopped taking in strays last month, animal control said it has picked up an additional 200 animals.

To prepare for the next influx of animals, dog pens will be divided in half and an additional 250 cat carriers will be brought into the facility. Also, the former drop-off area will be used as a holding center.

"The staff is pretty much on the edge about what to expect. We're keeping our fingers crossed, staying positive. No matter what they throw at us, we'll handle it," said Paul Studivant of animal control.

In the meantime, animal control has been working to get more animals adopted, even offering a special to help bring down its cat population.

Niqui Lynch and her son were at animal control in search of two cats to adopt after hearing that the humane society was shutting down.

"We want them to just have a good, loving home, and obviously they will," Lynch said.

Laura Pike told Channel 4 she instantly fell in love with a 2-year-old terrier, especially after he was given a bath. She said she has the time, patience and money to do her part.

"Well, I know I could give it a good home, and there's just too many strays out there and too many puppies. I think this one will get a good home," Pike said.

Animal control has also extended it hours on Saturday and has put calls out to other humane societies and rescue groups to help if overcrowding becomes a serious issue.

The Humane Society said it still has 75 pets that need to be adopted before it closes at the end of the month. For more information about adopting an animal, call the Florida East Coast Humane Society at 904-829-2737 or St. Johns County Animal Control at 904-209-6190.