Adopters, Foster Parents Needed As Harford County Shelter Faces 'Critical Capacity'

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Open hearts and open homes are needed by the Humane Society of Harford County, which currently sits at critical capacity after taking in 34 dogs last week, including 17 dogs seized last Thursday, by Harford County Animal Control.

“We were already close to capacity last week when we got the call that almost two dozen dogs would be brought to us the following day,” said Bob Citrullo, HSHC’s executive director. “All of these animals are part of an investigation, which means we will be caring for them for at least the next few weeks, but it could become months while things are sorted out.”

HSHC is the only municipal shelter in Harford County and is under contract with the county to house and care for animals surrendered by citizens, stray pets found in Harford County, and animals seized by animal control as the result of hoarding, abuse or neglect.

After operating from an old farmhouse for 70 years, HSHC’s new 19,000-square-foot facility opened in 2016 in Fallston and was designed to house around 65 dogs, which usually suffices. However, last week’s seizure, compounded by an already high number of dogs cared for at the facility, has left the shelter struggling for space for all new arrivals.

Citrullo said that in addition to adopters, the shelter is looking for foster parents who can give a homeless dog a temporary place to live for a few weeks until space becomes available again.

"Foster parents provide love and care, as well as valuable information about how the pet behaves in a home setting. HSHC will provide supplies and any necessary medical care," Citrullo said.

Interested foster parents should email foster@harfordshelter.org.

The shelter also asks that anyone contemplating surrendering their family pet think twice or delay the decision as the shelter is full.

“If you need to bring your pet to the shelter because you can’t afford to feed him, talk to us first,” Citrullo said. “We have a pet food pantry. If you need help correcting an undesirable behavior, our partner trainer, Mutt Magic Training, offers free consultations. Our adoptions counselors can offer resources to help with other situations, so please talk to us before making your decision. Oftentimes, the best place for your dog is at home with you.”

Animal shelters nationwide are facing an overcrowding crisis due to rising inflation, evictions, housing restrictions, lack of access to affordable veterinary care and an overall decrease in adoptions. Since the start of 2024, HSHC has taken in 160 dogs.

“To help encourage folks to adopt, we’ve added several programs,” Citrullo said. “We waive adoption fees for first responders as part of our Hometown Heroes program. Adoption fees are also waived for senior citizens who adopt a senior pet. Adopters who choose an animal who’s been at the shelter for over four months get a free bag of food and three months of flea, tick and heartworm preventative, a package that’s valued at $150.”

HSHC is located at 2208 Connolly Road in Fallston and is open to the public Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.