The shelter that was packed to the brim with cats and dogs just two weeks ago is empty for the first time in almost 50 years after they were all adopted

An animal shelter that reached full capacity just two weeks ago has celebrated being empty for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Employees of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Adams County, Pennsylvania, shared the happy news on Facebook after a series of ‘miracle adoptions’ over Christmas.

The charity – which cared for 598 animals this year before finding adoptive owners – was completely empty for the first time in 47 years, apart from one stray cat who came in before Christmas.

Pet parents and shelter supporters have echoed their excitement, with many taking to the comments to praise them for a job well done.

Delighted with their success, they wrote, “Today is a great day for the Adams County SPCA!

‘Two weeks ago our kennels were almost full, now we have no dogs in the building at all (we have one cat that came in as a stray a while ago!!)

‘Our community has gone one step further! This is the first time in 47 YEARS that the Adams County SPCA has been empty, let alone at Christmas, it’s a true miracle!

‘To say we are beyond excited is an understatement! The staff and volunteers have worked VERY hard to care for the animals in our care and ensure they go to the right home!’

The Gettysburg County facility has had a very busy 2023, after hosting adoptions for 598 animals and reuniting 125 stray cats and dogs with their owners.

Filled with gratitude, the staff added: ‘We thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to new adventures in 2024!’

For the dedicated volunteers, this appears to be just the beginning, as the facility is already planning to care for more vulnerable animals before the end of the year.

“Next week we will be bringing animals in from other Pennsylvania shelters in hopes of relieving some of their stress,” the post continued.

‘Now let’s enjoy this achievement! Merry christmas!’

Pet parents and supporters of the shelter have echoed their excitement, with many taking to the Facebook post to praise them for a job well done

The heartwarming news has spread far and wide, with the Facebook post being shared a whopping 2,600 times and racking up almost 800 comments.

One supporter wrote: ‘Great work. A wonderful Christmas gift for all those sweet animals with a full belly, a warm bed and a loving heart. It is truly a Christmas miracle that was created with a lot of hard work and support from the shelter and the community. Kudos!’

Also telling how the news made their Christmas, one wrote: ‘Truly a Christmas miracle. Thank you to everyone who saved the furbabies at the shelter! Thank you to all staff and volunteers!!’

‘Wow!!!!! Such a beautiful moment!’ added another.

Someone else praised them for a job well done, saying: ‘You are a great team! Thank you for all your efforts for animals’.

One message arrived for the charity’s new feline friend: ‘Great news! I hope someone adopts the last cat out there! fix it [100%]’

Meanwhile, pet parents who had once worked with shelters also enjoyed the good news.

One woman shared a photo of her furry sweetheart and said: ‘Toulouse (adopted 16 years ago) says Meowy Christmas and congratulations.’

Another added: “Merry Christmas from Gunner, adopted 4/23.”