TCAS Newsletter
May 2016
Go Fetch! Food Drive for Homeless Animals

During the month of May, the challenge is on to help animals in need. Tri-County Animal Shelter relies on our supporters to help care for the homeless animals who find their way to us.  We are hosting a food drive for the animals that end up in our care. Let's make this a successful food drive. Place a donation box at work, ask your friends and family to donate, contact your local stores. Help us help the animals. 

Donations needed include kitten food, canned cat food, adult cat and dog food, grain free food and treats for the animals. Other donations such as washable toys, cleaning supplies, and paper products are always appreciated.

May is National "Chip Your Pet" Month

Pets go missing for many reasons. A microchip for your pet can mean the difference between lost and found. Although tags and collars are important, they can be removed or slip off. 

A microchip is one of the best ways to protect your pet.  Studies show that lost dogs with a microchip are 2.5 times more likely to be returned to their owners than dogs without chips; cats with microchips are 20 times more likely to be returned to their owners.

During the month of May, bring your cat or dog to the Tri-County Animal Shelter and we will insert a chip for just $10. If pets become lost, they are more likely to find their way back home if they have a microchip. It is important to register your pet's microchip and keep the information current. Cats and dogs must be leashed or in a carrier. 

Details on Microchipping:

Billy wants to talk to you about being prepared for a disaster.

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is May 8, 2016. Billy encourages everyone to be prepared for any disaster that may strike.  You should have a disaster plan for yourself and your pets. If you must evacuate, don't leave your pets behind and plan for the worst-case scenario.  Some of the items to include in your pets traveling kit should include collars, leashes, food, water, litter, medical records, and medicines, pictures of your pets, flashlights and blankets. 

To see a complete list and to learn more about being prepared for a disaster visit the following websites:  RedCross and  ASPCA.  
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. 
More MAY Events

Celebrate National Pet Week May 1-7
National Pet Week is always the first full week in May, which is dedicated to celebrating the more than 200 million pets that enrich our lives each and every day.  Help us celebrate the animals by adopting a shelter pet, volunteering your time, or donating to help the animals in need. 
  • Dog Adoptions: $100
  • Cat Adoptions 7+ months: $25
  • Kittens 6 months and younger: $85 (Get a second kitten for just $45 more)
5th Annual DogFest
Join us for the 5th Annual Maryland DogFest at the Charles County Fairgrounds on May 14-15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families of all ages and dogs are encouraged to attend. The day will be packed with games, animal acts, and vendors. All leashed dogs are invited to attend with their owners. Are you thinking of adopting a new dog? Stop by the Tri-County Animal Shelter booth to check out who is available for adoption.
 
Calvert Animal Hospital Open House and Adoption Event
On Sunday May 15, from Noon to 4 p.m. the Calvert Animal Hospital is hosting an open house and adoption event. Come meet the animals available for adoption, sing along to DJ Dave, and enjoy food and ice cream while the kids explore the bouncy castle. Calvert Animal Hospital is located at 1923 Skinners Turn Road, Owings, MD 20736.
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

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
FREE or Income-Based Spay/Neuter Clinics
Some residents that live in specific areas of the county qualify for free altering of their pets. From chihuahuas to pitbulls ... friendly cats and feral cats; all could be eligible for this excellent opportunity. Call the clinics listed below to see if you qualify:  
  • Paw Prints Animal Hospital: 301-885-0263
  • Humane Society of Charles County: 301-645-8181
Other Available Spay/Neutering Clinics
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
  • Paw Prints Animal Hospital: 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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