PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter launched its November adoption promotion on November 1, 2025, waiving fees for animals aged eight years and older through November 29. The event, titled “Thanks for Giving Me a Home,” coincides with National Adopt a Senior Pet Month and the Thanksgiving holiday, aiming to place mature companions in permanent homes.
The shelter, operated by Calvert County government, houses dogs, cats, rabbits, roosters, pigs and other species available for adoption regardless of age. Each placement includes spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, age-appropriate vaccinations and a starter care package with essentials like food samples and toys to ease the transition. Prospective adopters undergo standard screening, including application reviews and home visits where necessary, to match animals with suitable environments.
Crystal Dowd, deputy director of public safety, highlighted the initiative’s focus. “We’re thankful for every adopter who opens their heart and home to a senior pet,” Dowd said. “Older animals make wonderful companions and deserve a loving family to call their own.”
The promotion addresses a common challenge in animal welfare: senior pets often wait longer for adoption. Nationally, November’s observance encourages consideration of animals over seven years old, as they represent a significant portion of shelter populations yet face lower placement rates compared to younger counterparts. In Calvert County, the shelter maintains an open-admission policy, accepting strays and owner surrenders without capacity limits, which underscores the need for such drives.
Adopting a senior pet offers practical advantages rooted in their established behaviors. These animals typically arrive house-trained, with knowledge of basic commands and calmer demeanors that suit households seeking low-maintenance bonds. Their adult size and personality are already evident, allowing families to avoid surprises in growth or energy levels. Studies link pet ownership, including with older animals, to improved cardiovascular health, reduced cholesterol and lower blood pressure among owners, potentially decreasing risks of heart attacks or strokes. For seniors, the companionship can provide emotional support, fostering routines that combat isolation.
Calvert County’s facility, located at 5055 Hallowing Point Road, operates Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Intakes require appointments via 410-535-7387. The shelter’s website lists current residents, including a mix of breeds and ages; as of early November, examples feature a 10-year-old Labrador retriever mix named Max, described as gentle and leash-trained, alongside a nine-year-old tabby cat, Luna, noted for her affectionate nature. Small animals like a pair of bonded rabbits and a rescued rooster round out options for non-traditional households.
This event builds on the shelter’s track record of community engagement. Opened in 2018 after construction delays, the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter marked its fifth anniversary in 2023 by celebrating over 2,000 adoptions since inception, with volunteers contributing more than 5,000 hours annually to enrichment and care. Past promotions, such as the 2025 Maryland 3000 Challenge in August, facilitated fee waivers across Southern Maryland facilities, including Calvert’s, contributing to statewide totals exceeding 800,000 adoptions since 2015. In 2023, the shelter recorded 350 dog adoptions and 364 cat adoptions, per state reports, reflecting steady progress toward a 90 percent live-release goal set during its early years.
Normal adoption fees — $75 for dogs, $40 for cats and $10 for small animals — fund ongoing operations, but waivers during events like this one prioritize placements without financial barriers. Screening ensures compatibility; for instance, high-energy dogs may not suit homes with young children, while seniors often thrive in quiet apartments common in Prince Frederick developments.
Volunteers play a key role, providing daily walks, play sessions and socialization to prepare animals for homes. The shelter’s 12,000-square-foot design includes separate wings for cats and dogs, reducing stress, and outdoor runs for exercise. As Thanksgiving approaches, staff anticipate increased inquiries, mirroring trends from prior holidays when families seek companions for gatherings.
For those interested, the shelter’s social channels offer updates: Instagram at @calvertcountyanimalshelter and Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyAnimalShelter. More details and photos appear at www.calvertcountyanimalshelter.com. Appointments fill quickly during promotions, so early calls are advised.
This initiative not only clears space but reinforces Calvert’s commitment to no-kill aspirations, where live outcomes — adoptions, returns to owners and transfers — exceeded 90 percent in recent audits. By spotlighting seniors, it challenges misconceptions about age in pet selection, promoting lifelong matches that benefit both animals and adopters in Southern Maryland’s close-knit communities.
