Now that summer is almost here, the Greenville Animal Shelter is preparing for a busy season, and new part-time employee Kay Lockhart will definitely have her hands full.

As of May 11, 23 animals had been brought to the shelter since the beginning of the month. Only eight had been adopted so far, which is a fairly impressive rate for animals to find new homes, Lockhart said.

"We encourage the public to visit. We have nice animals that just need a home," she said.

Lockhart said even though she has only been working at the shelter for a few days, she has noticed that younger animals are adopted at a faster rate than full-grown ones.

The Greenville native said she chose to work at the shelter because of her love for animals.

"I've worked as a pet groomer here in Greenville for 15 years," Lockhart said. "I just always have enjoyed animals."

All it takes to own one of these animals is a $20 fee, which covers the first-round of shots, de-worming treatments and a follow-up first visit with local veterinarian Bill Watson.

For a donation of $15 to the animal shelter, the Butler County Humane Society also provides new owners with a discount certificate for the pet to be spayed or neutered at a local animal hospital.

Ann Daughtry, director of the Humane Society, said if it weren't for community support, the animal shelter, along with the Humane Society, would not exist.

"The people in the county can help with volunteer programs and donate food, newspapers, or any other supplies that we need at the shelter," Daughtry said.

She said she is working to have the shelter open a few Saturdays each month to help increase the time animals can be adopted.

"Since it's done on a voluntary basis, it's hard to find people who are willing to work on a Saturday, but we want to be open one or two Saturdays each month," Daughtry said.

The Humane Society is also working with the animal shelter to install an air conditioner in the area where the animals are kept and to buy more fencing.

Greenville Police Chief Lonzo Ingram said the new location of the animal shelter on E. Commerce Street has been beneficial for the community.

"Ever since the animal shelter moved there last year, the location has been very convenient to the public," Ingram said.

The animal shelter is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. If interested in volunteering at the shelter, call Ann Daughtry of the Butler County Humane Society at 382-8914 or 382-7204.