Pet Care & Education

Check out this NBC4 news story that features Director Andrea Crooms speaking on the importance of having pet pantries and other resources available in our community to help with the cost of having pets.

Pet Food Pantries

• LOVEPAWS Pet Pantry (lovepawspg.org) or call (301) 615-1198
• Humane Rescue Alliance
• Bowie Claw for residents of Bowie, contact bowieclaw@gmail.com

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter

• Spay Spot located inside PGASD; call (301) 254-8151 to schedule an appointment
• PG SPCA located in Forestville:  www.pgspca.org or call (301) 262-5625
• Spay Now located in Laurel:  www.spaynow.com or call (301) 483-7080
• More information for services offered in surrounding jurisdictions on our Spaying & Neutering page. 

Low-Cost Shot Clinics

• PG SPCA located in Forestville:  www.pgspca.org or call (301) 262-5625  Clinics are held the first Sunday of every month.
• Humane Rescue Alliance: www.humanerescuealliance.org. Clinics are held by appointment only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Check the organization's website for updates. 
• Check with the PGC Health Department for announcements on events this department holds annually. 

Get help with community cats/TNVR here

Events

The Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center held a public virtual listening session on September 12 to provide an overview of its programs and services and solicit questions from County residents.  In case you missed it, you can click the links below.

Click here to view a copy of the presentation in PDF.

Click here to view a copy of the listening session.

The Animal Services Division (ASD) hosts a variety of educational classes and workshops throughout the year. 

Pet Parenting Classes

Learn what it takes to be a responsible pet owner and a great family host to a four-legged friend for a lifetime. This one-hour presentation, which will include a question-and-answer session (Q&A), will cover time, cost, food, toys, medical, safety, and social issues. 

Classes will meet the first Saturday of each month at 12 p.m. throughout 2024! 

Call 301-780-7200, option 6, to register for this FREE class. Walk-ins welcomed. 

Rabbit Handling and Care Class 

This hour-long class will cover the handling and care of rabbits, diet, how to clean enclosures, and more for anyone interested in adopting rabbits/bunnies. 

RSVPs are preferred; walk-ins are welcomed. If you want more information and to RSVP, please email Marilyn Perez at MPPerez@co.pg.md.us.

2024 Schedule of classes:
Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10 a.m.

Presentations

ASD offers several diverse presentations promoting a healthy and respectful attitude towards animals and respect for all living beings. These presentations are free of charge to schools and civic and community associations throughout the County. The program topics include:

• Animal Overpopulation-Spay/Neuter Services
• Pet Care
• Proper Care of Household Pets
• Safety Around Animals

Our professional staff will help you choose a suitable topic and presentation for your group. If you want to schedule a presentation, please call the Volunteer Coordinator at 301-780-7200.

Tours

In addition to the presentations, ASD also offers tours of the Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center. The tours last approximately 20 minutes and consist of a walk through our facility. During the tour, participants may be able to hold some kittens and puppies and ask questions. To schedule a tour, please call the Community Outreach Coordinator at 301-780-7200 and select option "6."

Newsletter

For more information on animal-related issues and a list of upcoming events, sign up for our Animal Chatter newsletter at bit.ly/doeemailsignup.