TCAS Newsletter
April 2016
Shelter Cats at the Capital Classic Cat Show

The Tri County Animal Shelter has been invited to the Capital Classic Cat Show at the Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf, Maryland on April 2-3, 2016. Come out to adopt our furry felines that will be looking for new homes. Some of the shelter cats will be competing in the show; come out to cheer them on! 

The cats will be at the show 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 2, and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3.  If you want to register your own cat for the show, or get additional details, please check the website
Meet the TCAS Mascot!

Billy has been our shelter cat since 2010. He was surrendered by his owner because they were moving. He had passed through multiple homes before being brought to the shelter. While at the shelter he became sick with an upper respiratory infection. Once we treated him for his infection we had grown to love him. He has been our baby ever since.

He is a very hard worker, always holding down the papers on your desk. He is our stress reliever, and he enjoys all the attention that we provide to him. Since he has been at the shelter for over 6 years he is very knowledgeable about pet safety, pet diseases, and he always has a shelter favorite that he would like to see get adopted. Billy is ready to pass that knowledge on to our readers. 
Coming to an area near you!

The Tri-County Animal Shelter will be in your neighborhood with animals available for adoption. Are you looking for your new "best friend," then please stop by to meet the animals available for adoption. We will have dogs, cats, and maybe even a critter or two.  Now is a great time to find a new "best friend."  
  • 2nd Saturday of each month: Pet Valu Dunkirk, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • 3rd Saturday of each month: Pet Valu Brandywine from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
Autumn the Bunny!

Autumn is a white and black female Bunny Rabbit mix. Autumn hasn't met a person she doesn't like.  She is a young beautiful rabbit that loves to sit on your lap. Nothing seems to faze her. She likes cats, dogs, and other rabbits. 

Isn't she just "EARresistable?"
More Events During April

Stress Awareness Day April 16
Did you know playing with or petting an animal can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol. Getting a new best furry friend can have many stress relieving and health benefits. Pets can improve your mood, help to control blood pressure, encourage you to exercise, help with social support, stave off loneliness and provide unconditional love.  Come adopt a pet today to reduce your stress levels.  Learn more about the benefits of owning a pet .

Clay Creations April 22
Come create a masterpiece and support the Tri-County Animal Shelter. Clay Creations is hosting spirit night for the animal shelter, and a portion of the proceeds will go towards our shelter animals. The shelter will have a few furry friends looking for a new home on this night. Gather your friends, bring your artistic flair, and have some fun while helping the animals. See you on April 22 from 2 to 8 p.m Clay Creations is located at 29015 Three Notch Road (Mechanicsville, MD 20659).  Details

Pet Appreciation Weekend April 22-24
You don't want to miss Pet Appreciation Weekend (PAW) celebration at the Pet Valu in Dunkirk. There will be games, refreshments, wine tasting, giveaways, and pet adoptions.  Stop by April 22-24 to visit ( Friday 2-5 p.m.,  Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m., or  Sunday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.).  Pet Valu is located at 10804 Town Center Blvd, Dunkirk Gateway Shopping Center (Dunkirk, MD).  Details

Adopt a Shelter Pet Day April 30
Over 2.4 million animals in shelters or rescues need our help to find a home. Adopt your next new friend from an animal shelter or rescue group instead of buying from a breeder or pet store.  Before you choose to adopt a new pet, make sure that you are prepared to spend the time and effort that is required to properly take care of a cat or dog for the long haul. Make certain that everyone in your household agrees with the decision to adopt the new pet. Research different breeds to ensure you find one that's right for you and your family.  On April 30 the c at adoptions will be reduced to $25.  For dog adoptions, you will receive a free sample of treats for your new "bestie." 
Free Rabies Clinics In Your Area

Does your cat, dog, or ferret need a rabies vaccination? Take advantage of these free clinics to get them vaccinated. Maryland law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated for rabies. Protect the ones you love and bring your pet to a rabies clinic.

Cats, Dogs, and Ferrets must be leashed or in a carrier. Dog and cat licenses will be available for purchase at all locations, just bring proof of spay/neuter.

Charles County

 
Calvert County

April 9, 10 a.m. to Noon
Northern High School (2950 Chaneyville Road, Owings)

April 16, 10 a.m. to Noon
Huntingtown High School (4125 N Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown)

April 23, 10 a.m. to Noon
Patuxent High School (12485 Southern Connector Blvd., Lusby)
Warm Weather Safety Advice from Billy the Cat

The weather is warming up, and we love our pets so much that we want to take them everywhere with us, but they may be better off at home in a cool, shaded area. Here are just a few tips to keep your pets safe during the warm weather:

Never leave pets in cars. Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness and even death, even on a day that doesn't seem hot to you. And cracking the windows makes no difference. Before you put your pet in the vehicle, ask yourself if you really need to take your pet with you - and if the answer is no, leave your pet safely at home. If you must take your pet with you, make sure the pet is properly restrained so the trip is as safe as possible for both of you.

 

Anytime your pet is outside, make sure he or she has protection from the heat and sun. Provide plenty of fresh, potable water. Your animals should always have access to shade to keep them cool.

 

 
Volunteer Help is Always Needed! 

The shelter is in need of volunteers, age 14 years old 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. Call one of the clinics listed below to discuss fees and schedule your appointment today!

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
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
  • Waldorf Well Pet Clinic: 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.

 

Learn more about licensing your pet:

Charles County Animal Control

Calvert County Animal Control

St. Mary's County Animal Control 

 

Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership:

 American Veterinary Medical Association

 

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.
Charles County Government
P.O. Box 2150, 200 Baltimore Street, La Plata, Maryland 20646
301-645-0550, 301-870-3000 | MD Relay Service: 7-1-1, Relay TDD: 1-800-735-2258
Equal Opportunity County
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