CALIFORNIA, Md. — St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption & Resource Center is inviting residents to honor the memory of beloved pets this Memorial Day weekend by helping shelter animals find new homes during a fee-waived adoption event scheduled for May 22-24.
The three-day event will waive adoption fees for approved adopters while maintaining the shelter’s standard approval process, including application reviews and background checks, to help ensure animals are placed in safe and suitable homes.
“This Memorial Day weekend, we’re honoring the pets we’ve loved and lost by helping more animals find the loving homes they deserve,” organizers shared in the announcement.
In addition to meeting adoptable animals, attendees are encouraged to bring a photo of a pet they have lost to contribute to a memorial wall, creating a space to remember past companions while supporting new beginnings for animals in need.
“Every adoption honors the memory of a beloved pet by creating a new beginning for another animal in need,” the organization stated.
Adoption Event Details
The fee-waived adoption event will be held at:
St. Mary’s Animal Adoption & Resource Center
22975 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Blvd.
California, MD 20619
Event hours:
Friday, May 22: Noon to 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 23: Noon to 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 24: Noon to 4 p.m.
Prospective adopters should expect to complete the same requirements as traditional adoptions, including screenings intended to match pets with long-term homes.
Why Fee-Waived Adoptions Matter
Animal welfare organizations across the country have found that fee-waived adoption events can help dogs and cats leave shelters more quickly without negatively affecting long-term adoption success rates. According to animal welfare nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society, reducing financial barriers can increase visibility for shelter pets and encourage families who may already be considering adoption to take the next step.
Shelter officials emphasize that while fees may be waived, adoption standards remain unchanged.
Residents with questions about the event can contact the St. Mary’s Animal Adoption & Resource Center at 301-475-8018.
About The St. Mary’s Animal Adoption & Resource Center
The St. Mary’s Animal Adoption & Resource Center provides care, shelter and adoption services for homeless animals in St. Mary’s County while working to connect pets with permanent homes. The center also promotes responsible pet ownership through adoption programs, education and community outreach.
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