Press Release

 

For immediate release:
April 8, 2024

For more information, contact:
Linda Lowe
Public Information Officer
Department of the Environment
lmlowe@co.pg.md.us; (301) 836-2115 (cell)

 

Prince George’s County Animal Shelter to Suspend Intake of Owner-Surrendered Dogs from April 10 – April 30

Facility will undergo deep cleaning protocols and seek placement of 100 animals in their care

Largo, MD—Effective Wednesday, April 10, 2024, the Prince George’s County Animals Service Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) will suspend intake of owner-surrendered dogs until Tuesday, April 30, due to space constraints and the facility undergoing deep cleaning protocols for diseases. In addition, the ASFAC is waiving pet adoption fees, including spay and neuter services, to help transition pets out of the facility. At this time, the shelter is open to the public. 

This measure will not impact the facilities’ work with stray pets, animals other than dogs, or owner-surrender euthanasia requests. The ASFAC will seek to provide pet owners with alternative options through rescue partners, who may be able to provide intake assistance. Until Wednesday, April 10, the ASFAC will continue to limit the intake of owner-surrendered dogs. All other services, such as owner reclaims, pet adoptions, and licensing, will continue as usual.

“Our facility continues to experience the same challenges as other shelters nationwide with diseases and the number of animals that come into our facility,” said Animal Services Director David Fisher. “When faced with these challenges, our team shifts its operations to efficiently address the care and needs of the animals and staff.” 

Since the beginning of the year, the ASFAC has moved hundreds of animals out of the facility, but its goal is to adopt, foster, or work with rescue partners to get an additional 100 dogs out of the facility in the next week. To reach this goal, they continue to seek the public’s help in considering pet adoption or fostering.

In addition, the ASFAC reminds pet owners of these five tips to help keep pets out of the shelter:

1. Always microchip your pet and make sure it has a quality ID collar tag.
2. Don’t walk your dog off-leash. County code requires all dogs to be walked with a leash.
3. Spay or neuter your pet to prevent overpopulation.
4. Ensure your pet's spaces, like walls, fences, and gates, are secure so they won’t be able to wiggle out. 
5. Take animals in your care to regular veterinary visits and keep them up to date on their vaccinations and pet licenses. Keeping your animal healthy keeps our community of animals healthy.

The ASFAC is open to the public Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

To view the many animals available for adoption, visit princegeorgespets4us.com. 

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