The Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville has highlighted Rubble, a longer-haired kitten known for his high energy and affectionate nature, as available for adoption.
Staff at the center described Rubble as a playful kitten who races through hallways with speed before seeking immediate cuddles. The young cat enjoys exploration and interaction, often transitioning quickly from activity to lap-sitting. Center officials encourage potential adopters to consider Rubble for homes prepared for an active pet.
Located at 6707 Animal Shelter Road in Hughesville, the Charles County Animal Care Center operates as the county’s primary facility for stray, surrendered, and adoptable animals. Formerly known as the Tri-County Animal Shelter when it served Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s counties through an agreement that ended years ago, the center now focuses exclusively on Charles County under the Department of Emergency Services’ Animal Care and Control division.
Adoption hours run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, with the lobby open longer for other services. Cats and kittens like Rubble typically have adoption fees around $60, which include spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, deworming, flea treatment, microchipping, and a health examination performed by shelter veterinarians. All adopted animals must be sterilized, aligning with Maryland’s requirements to reduce pet overpopulation.
The process begins with viewing available animals online through the county’s adoptable pets portal or in person. Interested individuals complete an application, meet the animal, and, if approved, finalize the adoption the same day or soon after. Staff match pets to lifestyles, discussing factors like energy levels—relevant for a kitten like Rubble who thrives on play but also bonds closely.
The center houses dozens of cats and dogs at any time, many arriving as strays picked up by animal control officers patrolling areas from Waldorf to Indian Head. Officers respond to calls about loose animals, bites, or neglect under Charles County codes, which require pets to have proper shelter, food, water, and veterinary care when needed. Tethering limits and waste cleanup rules also apply countywide.
For kittens, the shelter emphasizes early socialization and health checks to prevent common issues like upper respiratory infections in young cats. Rubble, described as friendly and demanding of attention, represents the many juveniles entering the facility seasonally, often during spring and summer when unspayed cats reproduce.
Charles County residents must license dogs annually, with fees supporting rabies control and shelter operations, though cats have no licensing mandate. The center promotes spay and neuter through low-cost clinics and partnerships, noting that altered pets live healthier lives and help curb the hundreds of animals intake each year.
A new Animal Care Center is under construction at 5690 Piney Church Road in Waldorf, with groundbreaking held in October 2024. The modern facility will include on-site veterinary suites, soundproofing for reduced stress, expanded kennels, and community education spaces. Until completion, the Hughesville location continues full operations.
Volunteers assist with walking dogs, socializing cats, and cleaning, while donations of food, litter, or towels support daily care. The center’s Facebook page regularly posts adoptable animals like Rubble to reach Southern Maryland residents in La Plata, St. Charles, or Bryans Road.
Adopting from the county facility supports local animal control efforts and provides homes for pets in need. Potential owners can visit during open hours or check listings for updates on Rubble and others.
The Humane Society of Charles County in Waldorf offers another adoption option as a private nonprofit, separate from the government-run center, focusing on rescue and foster-based placements.