The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter in Prince Frederick and the St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption & Resource Center in Leonardtown are waiving adoption fees throughout August as part of Clear the Shelters 2025, running from August 1 to August 31. Both shelters are also participating in the Maryland 3,000 Adoption Challenge, a statewide initiative led by the Baltimore Animal Welfare Alliance to place at least 3,000 animals in homes during the month. This dual effort aims to boost adoptions, reduce pet homelessness, and connect Southern Maryland families with their ideal pets
Clear the Shelters 2025, now in its 10th year, is a nationwide campaign spearheaded by NBCUniversal Local, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and Greater Good Charities. Since 2015, it has facilitated over 800,000 pet adoptions, with a record 161,000 in 2022. In Calvert County, the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter, supported by the Friends of the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter and the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, offers free adoptions for dogs, cats, rabbits, roosters, pigs, and more. Each adoption includes spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, age-appropriate vaccinations, and a starter care package. The shelter, located at 5055 Hallowing Point Road, Prince Frederick, operates Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with appointments available at 410-535-7387.
In St. Mary’s County, the Animal Adoption & Resource Center joins Clear the Shelters 2025, waiving fees for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, reptiles, small mammals, and birds. “We’re thrilled to take part in the Maryland 3,000 challenge,” said Hollis Lampe, Animal Services Division Manager. “Every adoption makes a life-changing difference, not only for the animals but also for the families who welcome them.” The shelter, located in Leonardtown, is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., with walk-ins welcome.
The Maryland 3,000 Adoption Challenge, launched over a decade ago, saw 3,119 adoptions in 2024, surpassing its goal. This year, with increased participation, the initiative aims to exceed that total. Both shelters maintain standard adoption protocols to ensure animals are placed in safe, loving homes, aligning with the Five Freedoms for humane care. The Linda L. Kelley Shelter, named after a Calvert County animal rights advocate, and the St. Mary’s shelter, a hub for compassionate care, encourage community engagement through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook for Calvert, and www.stmaryscountymd.gov/animalshelter for St. Mary’s, where residents can view adoptable animals and event updates.
Clear the Shelters 2025 and the Maryland 3,000 Adoption Challenge highlight Southern Maryland’s commitment to animal welfare. By waiving fees, both shelters aim to remove barriers, create space for more animals, and foster lasting connections between pets and families in Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties. For more details on the statewide effort, visit www.maryland3000.org.
