Prince George's Animal Shelter Resumes Accepting Owner Surrender Pets

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The Prince George’s County Animal Services and Adoption Facility has resumed accepting pets whose owners can no longer care for them. All adoption fees, including spay and neuter services, have returned to the original price schedule.

Earlier this month, the ASFAC stopped accepting owner surrenders to avoid operating above capacity, to undergo deep cleaning protocols at the facility due to an outbreak of Strep Zoo and to reduce the risk of needing to euthanize animals.

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

Within the past year, like other open-admission shelters nationwide, ASFAC has operated at or near capacity, limiting space for adoptions and negatively affecting the health and safety of the dogs.

“Not allowing owner surrenders during this period has allowed us to address illnesses in the facility and bring our live release rate to nearly 80%,” Fisher said. “With the community's support in reducing the number of animals we intake and supporting adoptions, rescue and fostering together, we can continue to be successful.”

While the facility has resumed accepting owner surrenders, the ASFAC emphasized that the public should consider bringing their pets to the shelter as a last resort. Before surrendering a pet, owners are encouraged to:

• Contact a county-approved rescue organization to see if they can accept the pet.
• Consider rehoming your pet with family and friends.

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