21 MD Animal Shelters Waiving Adoption Fees for Felines in July

After finding homes for 2,590 cats and kittens in Maryland last July, Baltimore County Animal Services, Baltimore Humane Society, BARCS and the Maryland SPCA—all members of the Baltimore Animal Welfare Alliance (BAWA)—have once again partnered and invited other animal shelters in Maryland to join them for the third annual Maryland 2,000: Saving Lives Across Maryland adoption event. Participating shelters will be waiving adoption fees for all cats and kittens adopted in July.

“Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for animal shelters,” said Christine Decorse, executive director of Baltimore Humane Society. “Known as ‘Kitten Season,’ it’s when most kittens are born and when animal shelters in Maryland see a huge influx of kittens and cats coming through their doors.”

“It’s critical that we find homes for the cats and kittens currently in our shelters, so we can continue to take in and save other felines who need our help,” said Dr. Lucia Donatelli, acting division chief with Baltimore County Animal Services. “The Maryland 2,000 is a way for our shelters to come together to raise awareness about shelter overcrowding and encourage families to consider adopting a cat or kitten from their local animal shelter.”

Beginning July 1 through July 31, the following animal shelters in Maryland will be participating in the Maryland 2,000 and waiving cat and kitten adoption fees:

• Animal Welfare League of Queen Anne’s County
• Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control
• Baltimore County Animal Services
• Baltimore Humane Society
• BARCS
• Caroline County Humane Society
• Cecil County Animal Services
• City of College Park Animal Control
• Frederick County Division of Animal Control & Adoptions
• Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center
• Humane Society of Carroll County
• Humane Society of Harford County
• Humane Society of Washington County
• Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter
• Maryland SPCA
• Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center
• Prince George’s County Animal Services Division
• Talbot Humane
• The Animal Care Shelter for Kent County
• Tri-County Animal Shelter
• Wicomico County Humane Society

“Cats make terrific companions,” stated Nichole Miller, director of operations at the Maryland SPCA. "Whether you’re looking for a lap cat or an active kitten, now is the perfect time to visit your local animal shelter and take advantage of the waived adoption fees. Felines of all ages, personalities and activity levels are just waiting for a chance to be part of a family.”

For the third year, The Cat Hospital At Towson (CHAT), will be the presenting sponsor for the Maryland 2,000. All adopters who take home a cat or kitten in July from either the Baltimore County Animal Services, Baltimore Humane Society, BARCS or the Maryland SPCA, will receive a certificate for a free feline wellness exam at CHAT.

The following veterinary practices located throughout Maryland will also be offering free wellness exams to Maryland 2,000 adopters: All Pets Veterinary Hospital (Talbot County only), Animal Health Clinic, Anne Arundel Veterinary Hospital, Boston Street Animal Hospital, Carroll County Veterinary Clinic, Cat Sense Feline Hospital and Boarding, Inc. (Harford County only), College Park Animal Hospital, Community Animal Hospital (Talbot County only), Denton Animal Hospital, Easton Veterinary Clinic & Rehabilitation Center (Talbot County only), Glade Valley Animal Hospital, Highway Veterinary Hospital, Mid-Atlantic Cat Hospital (Talbot County only), Mid-Atlantic Cat Hospital in Queen Anne’s County, Prince George’s Animal Hospital, The Village Vet, Towson Veterinary Hospital, VCA Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge, VCA Calvert Veterinary Center, VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Centre Park, VCA Elkton Animal Hospital, VCA Lewis Animal Hospital, VCA North Rockville Animal Hospital, VCA Park Veterinary Hospital, VCA Peachtree Animal Hospital, VCA South Arundel Animal Hospital, VCA St. Mary’s Animal Hospital, VCA Three Notch Animal Hospital, Veterinary Medical Center (Talbot County only), and West Friendship Animal Hospital. (Visit www.maryland2000.com for updates to the list.)

“Last year, we collectively surpassed the goal of the Maryland 2,000 by finding homes for 2,590 cats and kittens in July during our second, coordinated state-wide adoption event,” stated Jennifer Brause, executive director of BARCS. “Working together to spread the word really does make a difference.”

Last July, 195 or 8 percent more felines were adopted than during the first Maryland 2000 in 2017 when 2,395 cats and kittens found homes.

Regular adoption procedures at all participating shelters still apply during the Maryland 2,000. To see pets available for adoption, visit the participating shelters’ websites. For more information about the Maryland 2,000: Saving Lives Across Maryland, visit www.maryland2000.com.