TCAS Newsletter
February 2018
Spay/Neuter Awareness Month
February is National Feline Fix by Five and Spay/Neuter Awareness Month.

Many pet owners do not know when to get their feline altered. The key is to "beat the heat". 

The American Veterinary Medical Association has endorsed spay/neuter for cats by the age of five months, recognizing that pregnancy can occur by that age. There are no adverse effects to early-age sterilization. Early altering will significantly reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, in turn reducing relinquishment of kittens to animal shelters and increasing the number of lives saved .

In honor of Feline Fix by Five and Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, we will be reducing our adoption fees for our fabulous felines to just $20.18 in hopes to help adopt more cats into loving homes!

All the same great incentives of a regular adoption are also included:
  1. Spay/Neuter
  2. Rabies Vaccination
  3. Veterinary Physical Exam
  4. Age appropriate deworming
  5. FIV/FELV Test for cats
  6. Microchip

Billy's Blurb
Pet Dental Health Month

In honor of Pet Dental Health Month, Billy would like to take a minute to talk to you about how important your pet's teeth really are. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will develop some form of oral disease by the age of three. While we understand it's not always possible to brush your pet's teeth, you can always consider solutions like treats, chews, and toys that help fight plaque and tartar build-up and maintain healthy teeth and gums

In honor of Pet Dental Health Month, here are some of our local vets offering discounted dental work:
  • Calvert Well Pet Clinic 443-295-7873
  • Paw Prints Animal Hospital 301-885-0263
  • Companion Care 301-884-7213
Dog Training Education Month
Having a trained dog is a joy for your entire family !

Training has been shown to be the single most important thing that keeps a dog in his or her "forever" home. A trained dog gets to join the family fun like going out on hikes, swimming, playing at dog parks, and visiting relatives. Training will strengthen the bond between you and your pet and create lasting relationships for years to come. 

Many experienced trainers are right here in our area.
S&D K9 Rehabilitation and Think Like a Dog both offer a free training session for the dogs that are adopted from the Tri-County Animal Shelter. In addition, check with your local PetSmart, Petco, and county Recreation and Parks to inquire about training classes. Celebrate Dog Training Education Month, and register your furry friend - start having some fun! 

February 20 is Love Your Pet Day

This day is to celebrate the special bond with your beloved pet. Whether you have a cat, dog, hamster, chicken, reptile, etc., we all love our pets. An extra treat here, an extra walk there, we love to spoil our pets. When celebrating this day, think of the pets that are waiting for a family of their own to love. 

Come adopt and/or sign up as a volunteer. Take a dog for a walk, brush some cats, or give out treats.

Do you love pancakes?
Come to the IHOP in Prince Frederick on Feb. 20 to enjoy a nice meal. IHOP will donate a portion of the proceeds when you mention the Tri-County Animal Shelter.

FREE Spay/Neuter Clinics

Are you income disadvantaged and own pets? 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
 
Still want to get your pet altered but don't qualify for the income disadvantaged program? Call one of these clinics listed below to discuss fees and schedule your appointment today.  Spaying and neutering saves lives. Do your part and get your pet altered!  
Spay/Neuter Clinics
  • Calvert Well Pet Clinic 443-295-7873
  • Southern MD Spay and Neuter, Inc. (SPOT) (Calvert Residents Only) 410-562-6516
  • Humane Society of Charles County 301-645-8181
  • Paw Prints Animal Hospital 301-885-0263  
  • The Well Pet Clinic 301-866-0303
  • The Spay Spot 301-254-8151 
Visit these sites to learn more:
Volunteer Help is Always Needed

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to volunteer in your community, the Tri-County Animal Shelter has a place for you. 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. Volunteers must submit required volunteer forms, which can be completed at the shelter.

If you can't come to the shelter but still want to help out, consider coming  to our adoption days in the community. The shelter staff will have animals available for adoption at various locations throughout the region, possibly in your neighborhood. Come help get an animal adopted. Give the shelter a call to see if we will be in a neighborhood near you.
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.

Information on Licensing Your Pet

Guidelines for Responsible
Pet Ownership

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.
About Charles County Government
The mission of Charles County Government is to provide our citizens the highest quality service possible in a timely, efficient and courteous manner. To achieve this goal, our government must be operated in an open and accessible atmosphere, be based on comprehensive long- and short-term planning and have an appropriate managerial organization tempered by fiscal responsibility. We support and encourage efforts to grow a diverse workplace. Charles County is a place where all people thrive and businesses grow and prosper; where the preservation of our heritage and environment is paramount; where government services to its citizens are provided at the highest level of excellence; and where the quality of life is the best in the nation.

It is the policy of Charles County to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religious or political affiliation or opinion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by law.


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