TCAS Newsletter
July 2016
July is National Dog House Repairs Month

July is National Dog House Repairs Month. There's no better time than during the heat of the summer to make sure that your dog's outdoor dog house is up to standards. In the tri county area there are even legal requirements for the type of shelter you're supposed to provide for your pooches . Dog houses must b e structurally sound and maintained in good repair to protect your pet from injury and to contain the animal. They must be large enough to allow the animal to move around freely. Don't forget to move your dog houses to the shade during the summer months so your pet can get some relief from the hot sun. Be sure to examine your dog house for any cracks or holes and repair as needed. Remember, your dog would love to spend time with you, so bring your pet inside whenever possible. 

If you have any questions about what type of housing you should be providing your dog, you can read the county regulations on animal care at these links:


This year's nationwide Clear the Shelters adoption event will be held Saturday, July 23. Nearly 20,000 pets found their forever homes in 2015, when 400 animal shelters across the country partnered with NBC Owned Television Stations and the Telemundo Station Group. Last year, TCAS adopted 67 animals into loving homes. This year, the plan is to adopt out even more animals. TCAS will offer the public no-cost adoptions on Saturday, July 23, as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters initiative that seeks to find new homes for homeless pets. Clear the Shelters helps to address the overcrowding issues that local animal shelters typically experience in the summer months because of spring litters. 

The nationwide pet adoption drive also offers local families the opportunity to adopt an animal in need by offering no-cost adoptions. TCAS will have animals available at two locations.  Visit the shelter located at 6707 Animal Shelter Road, Hughesville, MD 20637 and also at PetSmart 10400 Southern Maryland Blvd in Dunkirk, Maryland 20754. Adoption hours for both locations will be 10am-3pm.

Clear the Shelters is about communities working together to help families have the opportunity to adopt a family pet and for deserving animals to get a second chance at life.  


Independence Day was GREAT!

My owners ( shelter staff) followed all of the suggestions on how I could enjoy Independence Day. I was very comfortable in my room with soft music playing. They kept me away from all of the commotion and fireworks, and the night was great. I slept like a baby! 

Now let's talk about more celebrations ... and food

Independence Day is usually the start of many BBQ's and parties. Think about your pets when planning your BBQ's.
  • When grilling food, be sure there is someone watching over the grill. Sometimes the temptation is so great that your furry friend may try to steal the food off the grill.
  • Remember that the food and drinks that you eat could cause stomach upset or even be poisonous to your pets. 
  • If you are going to have your pet hang out in the yard with you, be sure to provide fresh water and a shady spot to get comfortable in. 
These few tips can satisfy everyone, pets included. 

National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day is July 21

It's time to get crafty. All pets need behavioral enrichment to keep them busy, happy, and stress free during their stay at the animal shelter. What better way to give back to the animals then to provide them with some handmade toys. Whether you want to work on this project alone or gather all your friends, the animals will benefit immensely.

Check out these simple projects:

Bring your creative toys to the shelter on July 21 and see the enjoyment on the animals face as they play.  Drop off is Noon to 5 p.m.noon-5.
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. 
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
If you do not qualify for the income disadvantaged program, please call one of the clinics listed below 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)
Spaying and neutering saves lives. Do your part and get your pet altered!

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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