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The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood remains at “critical capacity,” particularly regarding large dogs of more than 40 pounds. Over the past week, a campaign to have 50 dogs adopted with fees waived resulted in 26 large dogs (and some small dogs) being adopted, but the center is hoping more residents will take advantage of the opportunity to adopt a new family member and have adoption fees waived.
As of Thursday, July 20, the first week of the campaign to have large dogs adopted resulted in a rush of 26 adoptions. The center will still waive fees for the adoptions of the next 24 dogs of 40 pounds or more that are adopted.
More large dogs were taken into the facility during the past week.
MCASAC has never euthanized animals for space reasons, but that could change if the center continues to have dogs enter the facility without adoptions or fosters. It is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Rd. in Derwood.
“We firmly believe no dog should face euthanasia due to a lack of space in our shelter,” said MCASAC Executive Director Thomas Koenig. “This means we need your help more than ever because MCASAC’s kennels, like many in the State and Metro D.C. Region, are at capacity.”
From Jan. 1 through June 30, 1,117 dogs came into the animal center. During the same period in 2022, 916 dogs came into the building, meaning there was an increase of 201 dogs admitted during the first six months of 2023 compared to the previous year.
The increase in the number of dogs entering the animal center in June of this year was substantial. In June, 214 dogs entered the shelter, but only 173 dogs exited. This is a significant reason the shelter is currently at capacity.
While advocates are looking into the cause for this surge in dog intakes and possible solutions with regional partners, they need the public's help now.
If anyone can adopt, or temporarily foster, a large dog, contact the shelter as soon as possible.
Those who cannot foster or adopt themselves are encouraged to share posts on social media and help spread the word.
The adoption process can be started online by filling out the adoption questionnaire and emailing in the required documents.
Adopters also can 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.
Adopters should be prepared to take an animal home at the end of their appointment. Walk-in appointments are subject to counselor availability.
More information about the adoption process can be found at montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/howtoadopt.
To join MCASAC’s foster program and temporarily foster a large dog, sign up at Fostering (montgomerycountymd.gov). Fostering is free and the supplies needed to care for the dogs are provided by MCASAC.
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
