Adoptions 7 Days A Week Start Jan. 14 At MOCO Animal Shelter

DERWOOD, MD — Residents will be able to adopt a pet any day of the week from the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center in Derwood. The facility will be open for adoptions daily beginning Sunday, Jan. 14.

In addition to extending hours, adoptions will no longer be conducted by appointment and will be walk-in only, first-come, first served. The adoption questionnaire may be completed online before visiting the Adoption Center, or it can be filled out at the center.

The adoption center is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood.

MCASAC’s new hours of operation are noon to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

The shelter is still at critical capacity for dogs and adoption fees are waived on all animals until further notice.

Adoptions are same day, so adopters should come prepared with a pet carrier for cats or a collar and leash for dogs.

Adopters are required to bring rabies vaccination certificates for cats, dogs and ferrets they own when they come to adopt. Montgomery County residents must license their pets before they will be added to the waiting list to meet with an adoption counselor. Patrons may experience wait times during peak hours.

“We hope these changes will encourage more adoptions and better serve our community members,” said Faith Koleszar, the adoption supervisor, in a news release.

More information about the adoption process can be found at montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/howtoadopt.

To join MCASAC’s foster program and temporarily foster a large dog, sign up at Fostering (montgomerycountymd.gov). Fostering is free and the supplies needed to care for the dogs are provided by MCASAC.

MCASAC is operated by the Office of Animal Services and it provides high standard sheltering and care to the homeless, abused and neglected animals. It is the county’s only open-admission, municipal shelter. Through adoptions, education, outreach and more, MCASAC serves as a critical community resource to promote and advocate for responsible pet care.

Animal Services officers are available seven days a week / 24 hours per day to investigate complaints and respond to animal emergencies. For more information, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices