TCAS Newsletter
November 2016
November is Adopt a Senior Animal Month

If you are looking for a new pet, why not adopt a senior animal? Animals 6 years and older will be available for adoption at a reduced fee during the month of November.
  • Senior Dogs $85
  • Senior Cats $5 
The most difficult group of pets to find a home for is older dogs and cats. Senior animals make great pets, and there are many benefits from adopting a senior animal. 

With senior pets, you know exactly what you are getting. Personalities are already developed, so you can tell right away if they will be a good fit for your family. Even things like their size, energy level, and health status are already established so you know exactly what to expect with your new pet. Older animals tend to be already housebroken and are calmer than their younger counterparts. They don't need as much time exercising. They are content to lie around the house and enjoy your company. 

Senior animals are devoted and grateful for what you give them. Senior pets have so much love and compassion to share, and they make the most amazing companions. 

Come adopt an older ... gentler ... soul today! 
Thanksgiving and Animals

Tis' the season for friends, family, and holiday feasts, but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won't be so thankful if they decide to taste an under-cooked turkey, a pet "unfriendly" floral arrangement, or an unattended alcoholic drink.

The ASPCA experts have provided some helpful tips to help create a pet-safe and fulfilling Thanksgiving holiday. Learn More.
Billy wants to talk to you about giving pets as gifts

You may think that giving an animal as a gift is a good idea, but pets are a huge responsibility. 

Pets are a long-term commitment of time, money, and energy that may exceed the recipient's abilities. A successful adoption requires time and thought. If you want to get a loved one a pet, give a gift certificate to use at the shelter. 

The Tri-County Animal Shelter has gift certificates available that can be used throughout the year. Pair the gift certificate with a gift basket of pet-related items such as a leash, collar, toys, treats, bedding, and food. You can also include books or videos on training or living with a companion animal. 

Giving a gift certificate gives the adopter an opportunity to meet a few animals before making the right match for the family.  
Volunteer Help is Always Needed! 

The shelter is in need of volunteers, age 14 years 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.
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