The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center is making an urgent appeal to the community, urging residents to adopt or foster dogs as the shelter has exceeded its capacity this week.
The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center is appealing to the community for help in the form of dog adoptions or fostering. The shelter has recently reached its maximum capacity, with more than 100 dogs currently in care.
“We need big dog adopters!” MCASA emphasized in a recent post shared on their Facebook page on Friday.
According to officials, there has been a significant influx of dogs arriving at the Maryland center. In just the past week, the staff has taken in 29 new dogs, filling all available kennels, as noted in a news release.
Leaders at the shelter have expressed their concern, especially for larger dogs, which have historically struggled to find homes quickly.
“We have never had to organize an urgent adoption list or consider euthanasia solely due to space; however, the gravity of our current situation has made even that a potential necessity,” stated Maria Anselmo, the community relations manager at the shelter, in the release.
Staff members report that new dogs are entering the facility at a rate exceeding the capacity of volunteers and staff to place them in homes safely.
Animal service workers emphasize that both adoption and fostering, even on a temporary basis, can significantly alleviate the pressure the shelter is currently under.
“By opening your heart and home, even for a short time, you can save a life,” a recent post on social media from the shelter stated. “Giving them a second chance at happiness not only benefits the dog but also makes room for another animal in need.”
While the shelter is closed on Wednesdays, interested adopters can visit during the following hours:
- Monday and Tuesday: 12 PM to 7 PM
- Thursday and Friday: 12 PM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 12 PM to 5 PM
The facility is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood.
If you are unable to adopt, there are several alternative ways to support the shelter, such as fostering larger dogs, donating pet food, sharing adoption posts on social media, or assisting in reuniting lost pets with their owners before they enter the shelter system.
For more details about adoption processes and volunteer opportunities, please visit the MCASA website.
