TCAS Newsletter
April 2017
Furry Feline Friends for April Fools

This is no April Fools' Joke! On Saturday, April 1, the adoption fees for all cats and kittens will be reduced to just $1. 

So come on out to the Tri-County Animal Shelter and find your new furry feline friend to spend April Fools' Day and all year with. 
Clay Creations April 7

Grab your friends and enjoy an evening creating a magnificent sculpture while supporting the Tri-County Animal Shelter on April 7 from 2 to 8 p.m. Clay Creations is hosting spirit night for the animal shelter. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the homeless animals in our shelter.  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 at the same time helping the animals.

Clay Creations is located at 29015 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659
Warm Weather Safety

The weather is warming up. 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. Help 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, but what they really want, is to be inside with you!

Learn more about keeping pets safe in the heat.
Billy's Blurb

National Pet ID Week is April 19-25

Billy wants to make sure that everyone knows the importance of having ID on your pet. Your pet can't talk to let someone know where they live, so that's why making sure your pet has identification is so important. It could be why your pet is brought home versus going to an animal shelter. 

Types of IDs that your pets can wear include a collar with a identification tag, a rabies tag, county license tag, microchip tag, etc. A permanent ID would be a microchip. 

We encourage all animals to wear their ID. April 19-25 we will be selling pet ID tags for just $1, and microchips at just $10.

Learn more.

Always remember to keep your personal information current with the microchip company. 
April is National Heartworm Awareness Month

We want to make sure everyone is aware of the dangers of heartworms and how easy it can be to prevent. Did you know that heartworm disease has been found in all 50 states and not only do dogs get this disease but also cats and ferrets? The key to fighting this disease is prevention. There are many safe and effective preventatives. Talk with your veterinarian to determine which preventative to use and when to get your pet started.  

Once your pet contracts heartworm disease, treatment can be expensive, time consuming, and very risky. Remember, it is much easier to prevent heartworm disease than it is to treat it.


6th Annual Maryland DogFest
April 29-30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Join us for the 6th Annual Maryland DogFest, to be held at the Charles County Fairgrounds on April 29 and 30. Families of all ages and dogs are encouraged to attend. It will be a day packed with games, animal acts, and animal vendors. All leashed dogs are invited to attend with their owners. It's fun for the whole family!

Thinking of adopting a new dog? Stop by the Tri-County Animal Shelter booth to check out the dogs available for adoption and go home with a new family member.

Spring Flowers Bring Kitten Showers

Spring time is a very busy time at the shelter. With warmer weather, more kittens start to arrive at the shelter. During the month of April we are looking for donations that will benefit the influx of these kittens. As the number of kittens increase so does the need for kitten food. In addition to kitten food, (dry and canned), other supplies are needed such as KMR milk replacer, kitten nursing bottles, toys, litter, shoe boxes, newspapers, and other cat-related items.

Calvert County Offering Free Rabies Clinics During April

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.

April 8, 10 a.m.-Noon 

Huntingtown High School (4125 N Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown)


 

April 22, 10 a.m.-Noon
Patuxent High School (12485 Southern Connector Blvd., Lusby)
  • Cats, dogs, and ferrets must be leashed or in a carrier.
  • 3 year rabies vaccination given, just bring proof of prior vaccination.
  • Dogs and cat licenses will be available for purchase at all locations, just bring proof of spay/neuter.
Spay/Neuter Clinics

Every year thousands of animals find their way to the Tri-County Animal Shelter. If responsible owners spayed or neutered their pet, these offspring would never come into the shelter.

Getting your pet altered can reduce the number of homeless pets killed each year; improve your pet's health, reduce unruly behavior, and save on the cost of pet care. 

If you think you can't afford to have your pet altered? Think again. 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! 
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
  • Waldorf Well Pet Clinic 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, ages 14 years old and over, 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.
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.
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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.