PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter in Calvert County has reached maximum capacity for dogs and issued an urgent call for rescue partners to transfer animals and free up kennel space.
Friends of the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter announced the crisis in a public appeal, stating every kennel is occupied and new dogs continue to arrive daily. The shelter houses canines ranging from five months to 10 years old and weighing between 19 pounds and more than 100 pounds, including purebred and mixed-breed dogs.
Volunteer and Rescue Coordinator Jamie Hash emphasized the immediate need for assistance from local animal welfare organizations and rescue groups.
“Our team is doing everything we can, but we CANNOT do it alone,” Hash wrote in the appeal. “We are asking our trusted rescue partners, in particular our local animal welfare organizations to step in and help us open kennel space so we can continue to provide care for the dogs who need us most.”
Many of the dogs are available for direct adoption by the general public. The shelter encourages rescues able to take even one animal to make contact, noting each transfer creates room to accept additional dogs in need.
The facility, operated by Calvert County government, serves as the primary intake point for stray and surrendered animals across the county. Located at 5055 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick, the shelter maintains rescue pick-up hours Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rescue partners and potential adopters can view available dogs on the shelter website at www.calvertcountyanimalshelter.com. Interested organizations may reach Hash directly at jamie.hash@calvertcountymd.gov or by calling 410-535-7387.
Public adoption hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shelter remains closed Sundays and Mondays.
Calvert County’s animal control division reports steady intake throughout the year, with seasonal increases often occurring during summer and early fall. Overcrowding situations arise when intake exceeds the rate of adoptions, transfers to rescue partners, or returns to owners.
The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter opened in 2004 and serves a county of approximately 94,000 residents. The facility includes separate kennel wings for dogs and cats, an on-site veterinary clinic for basic care, and outdoor exercise areas.
County officials encourage residents to spay and neuter pets, microchip animals, and consider adoption when adding a pet to reduce shelter intake over time. The current capacity crisis highlights the ongoing role rescue organizations play in supporting municipal shelters across Southern Maryland.
Rescues able to assist are asked to coordinate transfers during regular business hours to ensure proper paperwork and health evaluations are completed.
