Press Releases
Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center Large Dog Population Remains Critical, With Fee-Waived Adoptions Still Available
For Immediate Release: Friday, July 21, 2023
The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood remains at a critical population level for large dogs weighing 40 pounds and more. Since a campaign was started a week ago to have adoption fees waived for the first 50 dogs over 40 pounds adopted, more than two dozen large dogs were adopted. However, fee-waived adoptions are still available for another two dozen large dogs.
Dogs continue to enter the shelter every day. In the past week, 31 dogs entered the shelter. Because of admissions of new dogs, as of July 21, the overall shelter population has only decreased by 10 dogs since July 13.
“We are in a slightly better place, this crisis is not over,” said MCASAC Community Relations Manager Maria Anselmo. “We are asking you to keep the momentum going. Come in to adopt, sign up to foster, keep spreading the word. These dogs still need your help.”
While adopting and fostering large dogs is necessary to decrease the current population, there are other ways to help keep animals from coming into the shelter. Trying to reunite lost pets before bringing them in to the shelter is one way and donating dog and cat food to pet food pantries can help people who want to keep their pets but are facing financial troubles.
Donations of pet food can be dropped off at the shelter. MCASAC encourages anyone who may be struggling to keep their pet and is considering surrendering them for financial reasons to view the resources available on its website or contact the Montgomery County Animal Services shelter directly for help.
If anyone can adopt, or temporarily foster, a large dog, contact the shelter as soon as possible.
Those who cannot foster or adopt themselves are encouraged to share posts on social media and help spread the word. The adoption process can be started online by filling out the adoption questionnaire and emailing in the required documents.
Adopters also can visit the adoption center during open hours from noon-7 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from noon-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Adopters should be prepared to take an animal home at the end of their appointment. Walk-in appointments are subject to counselor availability but are encouraged as there may be cancellations.
More information about the adoption process can be found at montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/howtoadopt.
To join MCASAC’s foster program and temporarily foster a large dog, sign up at Fostering (montgomerycountymd.gov). Fostering is free and the supplies needed to care for the dogs are provided by MCASAC.
MCASAC is operated by the Office of Animal Services. It provides high standard sheltering and care to the homeless, abused and neglected animals. It is the County’s only open-admission, municipal shelter.
Through adoptions, education, outreach and more, MCASAC serves as a critical community resource to promote and advocate for responsible pet care. Animal Services officers are available seven days a week / 24 hours per day to investigate complaints and respond to animal emergencies. For more information, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices
Media Contact: Maria Anselmo 240-383-599
Categories: Animal Services