Authorities at the Ames Animal Shelter report an increase in the amount of pets given to them recently.

Lorna Lavender, the shelter’s director, said during the past two years the number of felines has skyrocketed. She said this may be because people are “more irresponsible about cats than dogs,” she said.

Lavender also said the shelter has had more complaints and injured cats than usual.

It is recommended that prospective owners spend time with their potential pet at the shelter before adopting. After an application is filled out, Lavender said shelter employees check with the prospective pet owner’s landlord to make sure an animal will be allowed.

There are options for those who would like to own a pet but cannot because of rental agreements, such as volunteering.

“We would like to help students be equipped pet owners,” Lavender said.

She said there are certain times of the year their facility anticipates more activity. The number of abandoned pets typically increase by 20 to 30 percent in around graduation in May.

At the shelter, animals receive proper care and animals have a good chance of adoption, Lavender said.

Amy Hagert, of Ames, said she finds abandoned cats north of town on a frequent basis. Cats who are left to “run wild” are often brought into the shelter after being caught in the engines and wheel wells of cars.

What makes the Ames Animal Shelter unique, Lavender mentioned, is that animals are not put to sleep after they have been at the shelter for a certain period of time. If the shelter is full, they will occasionally ask the owner to keep the animal for a few more days until room is available. When a pet is put to sleep, it is due to illness, injury or old age. One in five cats are put to sleep, versus one in 14 dogs.

While it is not as expensive as it is perceived to be, owners are urged to call if they cannot afford to have their pet spayed or neutered. The priority is so urgent that the shelter is able to offer financial assistance for these services. The aid will often cover more than half of the operation cost.

“It’s a matter of priorities,” Lavender said. “Animals deserve to be a priority.”