ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- The staff of the Florida East Coast Humane Society was saying goodbye as the facility shuted down operations on Friday.

The no-kill shelter announced earlier this month that it would close at the end of October because its operating expenses were up this year while donations -- its only source of funding -- dropped significantly.

"We didn't think we'd be the last people here, but I'm glad that we're able to do our part," said Shawn Williams, who on Friday adopted one of the last animals at the shelter. "It has just become harder and harder for people to support themselves, let alone any charitable organizations."

Over the past three weeks, the shelter has placed about 200 of its pets in homes. The Jacksonville Humane Society picked up the remaining 21 dogs and cats.

The only pets left Friday morning were six cats that were adopted but not yet picked up.

"I'm happy that everybody has gone home, and sad too," director Cindy Bishop said.

She said she hopes they will be able to rebuild resources and reopen the shelter in a few months.

After the Humane Society announced in September it would stop taking in strays, St. Johns County Animal Control said it picked up an additional 200 animals.

Animal Control divided dog pens in half and brought in an additional 250 cat carriers. The former drop-off area is now used as a holding center.

Animal control has also extended its adoption hours on Saturday and has put calls out to other Humane Societies and rescue groups to help if overcrowding becomes a serious issue.

Anyone interested in adopting a pet is asked to call the St. Johns County Animal Control at 904-209-6190.