Animal Services and Adoption Center Reopens for Adoptions

The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood has reopened for onsite adoptions of all animals. The shelter has been closed to the public since May 2 due to an outbreak of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV).

The center is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood. The building is not fully clear of CIV, so the center remains closed for all but essential intakes and adoptions.

Essential intakes include:

• Sick and injured animals.
• Dogs that pose a threat to public safety.

Residents who find a lost pet are asked not to bring the animal to the shelter. Tips on locating the owner of lost pets can be found on the Center’s Found a Pet (montgomerycountymd.gov) page. MCASAC will provide finders of lost pets who are willing to foster with the necessary supplies to care for the animal until the owner can be located or other placement options are determined.

All dogs who contracted CIV have since recovered. They remained in isolation for 28 days, as dogs can shed CIV for as long as four weeks.

In addition to dogs, the shelter has cats, turtles and hamsters available for adoption.

Available animals can be viewed on the website here. Adoption fees are waived for all animals.

Adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis. Information on how to adopt an animal and the adoption questionnaire can be found here. Potential adopters should come prepared to take their new pet home by bringing a leash and collar for dogs or a carrier for cats and small animals.