Editor’s Note: A message was recently shared indicating that adoptions are currently free. To clarify, standard adoption fees still apply. Adoption fees are waived only for animals featured during the weekly Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) meetings, from the date of the meeting through the following Monday.
For the most accurate and up-to-date adoption information, including current fees and available animals, please visit CalvertCountyanimalshelter.com
PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Today might be the day to start thinking about your next furry friend. The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter of Calvert County is at “critical capacity” and putting out an urgent call for volunteers, fosters and adopters to help the shelter care for its many animals waiting for forever homes.
The shelter is exploring every avenue to get those pets into their new homes.
They’ve also featured a series of holiday-themed adoption events in recent months to boost animals’ odds of getting adopted. Thankfully, that gives the rest of us the opportunity to see dogs decked out in shamrocks and guinea pigs wearing bunny ears.
The shelter also hosts “Live at Linda’s,” a series that airs the first Saturday of every month at 1 p.m. on Comcast channels 99 and 1070 HD, and is streamed on the county’s YouTube channel.
Pets are featured at weekly Board of County Commissioners meetings, too. Recent pets in attendance include Sadie, a “young at heart” 10-year-old dog, and Peter and Tony, a 1-year-old bonded guinea pig pair. Fees are waived for animals featured during the weekly Board of County Commissioner meetings, as long as they are adopted between the meeting date and the following Monday.
Research shows that social media can have a monumental impact on getting animals adopted. Through social channels, animals get to tell a story in their own “voice” and let potential adopters get to know them and make a connection. A study conducted by the ASPCA on their own social media platforms in 2018 showed that social media increased adoptions by 66% and increased awareness of their organization by 89%.
And if the adopter doesn’t wind up with that cute puppy that’s going viral for falling into its water dish, getting a person in the shelter doors can mean a different lucky animal’s life is about to change.
To get involved with the shelter or adopt an animal, visit calvertcountyanimalshelter.com.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
If you need a worker or volunteer, let me know