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For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood has joined NBCUniversal Local’s 2024 “Clear the Shelters” pet adoption campaign and will waive adoption fees on Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 7-8. The Clear the Shelters event has led to record numbers of adoptions in past years. 

The Animal Services and Adoption Center is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood. The center’s hours of operation can be found at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/

“Clear The Shelters is always an exciting event, and we love seeing all of the empty kennels afterward,” said Adoption Supervisor Faith Koleszar. “We have so many wonderful pets looking for new homes.” 

The shelter will use an appointment system to reduce wait times during the event. Clear The Shelters appointments are now open. Adopters can start the process by filling out the adoption questionnaire online at How to Adopt (montgomerycountymd.gov).  

Adopters can choose to visit the Adoption Center during open hours to start the process in-person. Walk-ins during Clear the Shelters are subject to counselor availability, but are still welcomed in the event of cancellations or no shows. 

Adopters should be prepared to take an animal home at the end of their appointment by bringing a leash and collar for dogs and a carrier for cats or small animals. In the interest of finding as many homes as possible for pets, no holds will be placed. 

For more on Clear the Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com. 

MCASAC is operated by the Office of Animal Services. 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. 

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Release ID: 24-389
Media Contact: Maria Anselmo, 240-383-5995
Categories: Animal Services