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Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center at Critical Occupancy, Adoption Fees Will Be Waived for Next 100 Animals Adopted

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood has reached a dangerous capacity for animals of all types. Despite the recent support in a campaign to have large dogs adopted, the over-population situation remains critical and has extended to all types of animals. To help inspire adoptions, the shelter is waiving adoption fees for the next 100 pets adopted by Thursday, Aug. 24. 

The full capacity means the shelter will only be accepting animals who need immediate help. This policy is to help prevent euthanasia. Owners who must rehome a pet are encouraged to use rehoming websites. The shelter can list pets on the website for owners trying to rehome. Visit Surrender an Animal (montgomerycountymd.gov) for information on rehoming. Due to lack of space in the shelter, surrendering a pet now means it is at an increased risk for euthanasia.  

The shelter is asking that anyone who finds a lost pet try to hold onto the pet for 48 hours and search for the owner before bringing the pet in to the shelter. Information on steps to take when finding a pet can be found at Found a Pet (montgomerycountymd.gov). 

To join MCASAC’s foster program and temporarily foster an animal, sign up at Fostering (montgomerycountymd.gov). Fostering is free and the supplies needed to care for the animals are provided by MCASAC. The shelter needs fosters for large dogs, underage kittens and nursing moms with kittens. 

The shelter currently has animals available for adoption including:  

  • Dogs 
  • Cats 
  • Guinea Pigs 
  • Rabbits 
  • Hamsters 
  • Rats 
  • Mice 
  • Turtles 
  • Birds 

The adoption process can be started online by filling out the adoption questionnaire and emailing in the required documents.  

Adopters can also 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 to start the process in person. 

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. 

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 


Release ID: 23-355
Media Contact: Maria Anselmo 240-383-5995
Categories: Animal Services