TCAS Newsletter
August 2016
Shelter Finds Homes for Record Number of Animals during Second Clear the Shelter Event

The Tri-County Animal Shelter participated in the second national Clear the Shelter event on Saturday, July 23. A total of 77 animals were provided forever homes, which is the highest number of adoptions in a single day in the shelter's history. Animals adopted included 35 cats, 38 dogs, 3 rabbits, and 1 chicken. Last year's Clear the Shelter event, which found homes for 67 animals, now holds the record for the second highest number of adoptions in the shelter's history.  

Pictured: Ms. Carbonneau and her family adopted Sugar during the Clear the Shelters event. They look so happy together!

During the event, all pet adoption fees were waived. The shelter partnered with Southern Maryland Spay and Neuter Inc., Last Chance Animal Rescue, and Roundtable Haven to ensure all animals found appropriate adoptable homes. Paw Prints and local veterinarians vaccinated and sterilized all animals before the event. Vendors, volunteers, and rescue organizations, such as Calvert Kettle Corn, Rescue Angels, Pet Value, Rita's, Pawtuxent Bed and Biscuit, and Ty's Photography participated in the fun. Many organizations donated door prizes, raffles, or sponsored adoptable animals, including Ty's Photography, Clay Creations, Texas Road House, Ledo Pizza, For the Love of Paws, and Stephanie Clear Tupperware. A special thanks to Jessica's Lemonade Stand for raising funds for the animals. The shelter would like to thank all the volunteers, Facebook friends, organizations, and veterinarians that assisted before and during the event.  

Clear the Shelter is a nationwide adoption event sponsored by NBC News. The event works to adopt out animals and promote animal shelters.

To keep up with the latest happenings at the shelter, we encourage residents to like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TriCountyAnimalShelterSoMD.

Find YOUR "Purrfect" Pet...
It's Your Birthday Shelter Dogs... Let's Celebrate!

Many times we do not know the actual birth date of the dogs that come through our doors. To give these doggies some much needed recognition, the North Shore Animal League has declared August 1 as DOGust 1st ... The Universal Birthday of Shelter and Rescue DogsEvery dog deserves a Birthday. 

Help us celebrate this day by dropping off donations of food, treats, and toys for our wonderful dogs. Volunteer to walk and play with our pooches. 

If you have room in your heart and home, adopt and make it a special birthday for one of them! 
Join us at Bark in the Park at Regency Stadium

August 15 and 29 at 7 p.m. is dedicated to homeless animals. Show your support for the local ball team, and meet some of our adoptable animals. We will also be on hand to answer any animal related questions. 

Help the animals in your community while cheering on the team!
Calvert County Sheriff's Department Open House

Looking for a fun activity for the family? Join us at the Calvert County Sheriff's Department Open House on Saturday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include face painting, a dunk tank, K-9 demo's, child ID kits, train rides and much more. TCAS will have animals available for adoption. Come out with the family and you may find your new best furry friend.
 

Billy is Ready to Celebrate!
National Black Cat Appreciation Day is Aug. 17!

Did you know that black cats are often overlooked in shelters, by both the public and rescue organizations, and tend to be the cats that stay the longest? It could be the superstitions and myths that surround black cats, but don't believe those silly misconceptions. They are just as cool as all the other cats that hang out in my shelter. There are some advantages to owning black cats:
  • Black goes with everything and so do black cats
  • Their fur won't show on your little black dress
  • In some cultures black cats are good luck
  • You will always find a black cat in the snow
  • Black cats make fantastic feline companions
In honor of this day, the staff at TCAS will be waiving adoption fees for all black cats. I believe black cats are worthy of your time, attention, and heart. Come adopt today!
Coming to an area near you!

The Tri-County Animal Shelter will be in your neighborhood with animals available for adoption. Are you looking for your new "best friend," then please stop by to meet the animals available for adoption. We will have dogs, cats, and maybe even a critter or two. Now is a great time to find a new "best friend." 
  • 2nd Saturday of each month: Pet Valu Dunkirk, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • 3rd Saturday of each month: Pet Valu Brandywine from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
Volunteer Help is Always Needed! 

The shelter is in need of volunteers, age 14 years old and older, to assist with caring for the many animals in our facility. There are several volunteer duties offered, including walking shelter dogs, spending time with the cats, taking photos of adoptable pets, general housekeeping, washing dishes and toys, cleaning kennels, and assisting with laundry. You can volunteer as little or as much as you would like. 

Volunteer paperwork must be completed and submitted in advance.

Can't come to the shelter but still want to help out? 
Come out to our adoption days in the community. The shelter staff will have animals available for adoption at various locations throughout the month. Come help get an animal adopted! Give the shelter a call to see if we will be in a neighborhood near you!
Spay/Neuter Clinics


Every year thousands of animals find their way to Tri-County Animal Shelter. If responsible owners spayed or neutered their pet, these offspring would never come into the shelter. The tri-county area has low cost spay/neuter clinics in each county; some even offer it for FREE

Getting your pet spayed or neutered can:
  • Reduce the number of homeless pets killed
  • Improve your pet's health
  • Reduce unruly behavior
  • Save on the cost of pet care
FREE or Income-Based Spay/Neuter Clinics: Some residents that live in specific areas of the county qualify for free altering of their pets. From chihuahuas to pitbulls ... friendly cats and feral cats; all could be eligible for this excellent opportunity. Call the clinics listed below to see if you qualify: 
  • Paw Prints Animal Hospital: 301-885-0263
  • Humane Society of Charles County: 301-645-8181
Other Spay/Neutering Clinics: Call to discuss fees and schedule your appointment today! 
  • Calvert Well Pet Clinic: 443-295-7873
  • Humane Society of Charles County: 301-645-8181
  • The Well Pet Clinic: 301-866-0303
  • The Spay Spot: 301-254-8151
  • Paw Prints Animal Hospital: 301-885-0263
  • SPOT: So. MD Spay and Neuter, Inc.: 410-562-6516 (Calvert Residents Only)
Tags and Licensing Are Required

Keep identification tags on your pet ... it could be your pets ticket to get back home. Both dogs and cats need ID. Be sure your animals wear a collar with an ID tag, a county license, and rabies tag. Also, don't forget to microchip your animal. Keep your personal information with the microchip company up to date. These identifiers could help your neighbor return your animal to you instead of taking him to the animal shelter. 

Dogs in Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's Counties must have a county license. Cats in Charles and Calvert Counties also require a county license. 

To obtain a pet license you must have a current rabies vaccine for your pet.

Information on Licensing Your Pet

Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership

The Tri-County Animal Shelter is located at 6707 Animal Shelter Road in Hughesville. Shelter staff can be reached at 301-932-1713 or 800-903-1992. 

View animals available for adoption at:

Adoption hours are Monday-Friday, Noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Charles County Government
P.O. Box 2150, 200 Baltimore Street, La Plata, Maryland 20646
301-645-0550, 301-870-3000 | MD Relay Service: 7-1-1, Relay TDD: 1-800-735-2258
Equal Opportunity County
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