The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter in Prince Frederick will waive adoption fees for animals on its Nice List during the Santa Paws’ Nice List Adoption Special running from December 16 through December 24.
Available animals span various types and ages, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, roosters, pigs and others. Each adoption includes spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, age-appropriate vaccinations and a starter care package designed to ease the pet’s transition to a new home.
Potential adopters must complete the shelter’s standard screening process, which involves a pre-screening application to assess lifestyle, expectations and home environment. This step ensures placements in safe and suitable settings. The process begins with submitting an application, followed by staff review before meeting animals outside their kennels or cages.
Normally, adoption fees at the shelter are $75 for dogs, $40 for cats, $10 for small animals and $15 for livestock. These fees support services like veterinary care and preparations for adoption. During this promotion, fees are waived for selected animals placed on the Nice List, encouraging placements over the holiday period.
The shelter operates Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Sundays and Mondays for adoptions, though Mondays allow reclaims and surrenders. For intake appointments, including surrenders, residents should call ahead.
Located at 5055 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick, the facility serves as Calvert County’s open-admission shelter, accepting strays and owner-surrendered animals from within the county. It partners with rescue organizations and maintains programs like fostering, volunteer enrichment and working cat placements for barn or outdoor settings.
Adoptable pets can be viewed online through the shelter’s listings, which feature profiles with photos and descriptions. Social media updates provide real-time highlights of available animals.
The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter opened in 2018, replacing an older facility to better serve county needs with modern kennels, medical areas and public spaces. Funded by Calvert County Government, it collaborates with groups like Friends of the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter for additional support, including donations for medical treatments and supplies.
Similar fee-waiver promotions occur periodically, such as during national Clear the Shelters campaigns or Adopt a Senior Pet Month, aiming to reduce shelter populations and promote responsible adoptions. Residents interested in specific animals should visit during open hours or check online listings, as holds are not placed and adoptions go to the first qualified applicant.
For details on current adoptable animals or to start the pre-screening, visit the adoption portal or call 410-535-7387. Follow updates on Instagram at @calvertcountyanimalshelter or Facebook at Calvert County Animal Shelter.
This holiday special offers Calvert County families an opportunity to add pets without standard fees, while ensuring thorough matching through established procedures.