TCAS Newsletter
September 2017
National Cat Day
cats_snuggling.jpg
Looking to add a feline friend to your household?

In honor of National Cat Day on October 29, we will be adopting our feline friends at a discounted rate. During the month of October, senior cats 6 years and older will be $10, cats ages 1-5 will be $25, and kittens younger than a year old will be $50. 

National Cat Day was started to help the public recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year. Approximately 3.2 million cats enter shelters in the United States. The vast majority of these unwanted cats are happy, healthy, and well-adjusted, they just need loving homes to get comfortable and let their personalities shine through.

Billy's Blurb
Billy would like to talk about Volunteering.

October 5 is "Do something nice day" and October 28 is "Make a difference day." One way to make a difference while doing something nice would be to volunteer or donate to your local shelter or rescue. 

We are always looking for people to help homeless pets in our community. Come out to walk a dog, toss a toy, or pet a cat. Our animals will stay happy and healthier by this small gesture.

No time to volunteer? How about picking up a donation instead? You can drop off or send us one of the items listed below. It's the purrrrfect way to show you care!
  • Dry dog/cat food (Purina Cat Chow)
  • Canned dog/cat food
  • Kitten/puppy food                          
  • Bleach, cleaning supplies                       
  • Newspaper
  • Paper towels                                            
  • Blankets, towels, washcloths
  • Dog/cat treats
  • Dog/cat toys
World Farm Day

Looking to adopt a farm animal? You may not have thought of calling your local animal shelter to see it they have farm animals. The Tri-County Animal Shelter does get farm animals. Currently, we have Potbelly Pigs.  Some have been here for more than six months. 

World Farm Animal Day was created in memory of Ghandi, who believed in treating all living beings with respect. On October 2, we will waive our adoption fees on farm animals in hopes to help place them in loving homes.
October 16 is National Feral Cat Day 
 
Feral cats, also called community cats, are members of the domestic cat species (just like pet cats), but are not socialized to people. This is a day set aside to raise awareness about feral cats and to promote Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).
 
TNR is a process where the feral cat is trapped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated for rabies, and then returned to the same area where it was trapped. 

Caretakers then continue to care for the cat without the worry of the cat reproducing or mating. When implemented correctly, TNR stabilizes and reduces feral cat populations and eliminates undesirable behaviors associated with mating.

Many of the area Well Pet Clinics and Humane Societies offer special promotions for the altering of feral cats. 
  • Paw Prints Animal Hospital: 301-885-0263
  • Well Pet Clinic in Lexington Park: 301-866-0303
  • Calvert Well Pet Clinic: 443-295-7873
  • The Humane Society of Charles County: 301-645-8181
October 21 is National Reptile Day

Did you know that the shelter receives more than just cats and dogs? Are you looking for a reptile to complete your family? Make sure to check with the shelter first for a chance to adopt your next reptile pet for less than you would pay at your local pet store. 
Halloween "Pawty"
October 21, 4-7 p.m.

We are going to be celebrating Halloween this year with a Halloween Pawty at Pet Valu in Brandywine. Come meet animals available for adoption, and get great deals throughout the store.

We also want to caution you about the dangers of Halloween and your pets. Be careful not to let your furry friend get any candy. Popular Halloween treats can be toxic to your pet. Keep your pets inside, away from doors, and the scary trick-or-treaters. 

While this time of year can be very fun for us, you should know that this holiday can be dangerous and stressful for your pet.

Please take the time to read these Halloween safety tips provided by the ASPCA:
ASPCA Safety Tips
Coming to an area near you!

Looking for your new "best friend?" 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."

The Tri-County Animal Shelter will be in your neighborhood with animals available for adoption: 
  • October 7: Tractor Supply White Plains from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • October 7-8: Mutt Madness at Charles County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 
  • October 14: St. Charles Towne Center from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • October 20: Pet Valu Brandywine Halloween Party from 4 .p.m-7 p.m.
  • October 21: Pet Valu Brandywine from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • October 21: Solomons Veterinary Yard Sale and Adoption Event from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
  • October 28: Pet Valu Brandywine from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
     
Like us on  Facebook  for more information.
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.

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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