The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter in Prince Frederick launched its “New Year, New Chapter” adoption promotion on Friday, Jan. 2, waiving adoption fees through Saturday, Jan. 31. The initiative targets animals that entered the shelter in 2025, identified by intake numbers starting with “25.”
This Calvert County facility, an open-admission shelter, accepts owner-surrendered animals and strays, providing care while seeking responsible placements. The promotion covers dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, roosters, pigs and other species available during the period. Adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, age-appropriate vaccinations and a starter care package to support the pet’s transition to a new home.
Potential adopters complete the shelter’s standard screening process, which includes a pre-screening application to assess lifestyle, expectations and home environment for a suitable match. This step ensures placements prioritize animal welfare and safety. Interested individuals should fill out the appropriate pre-screening form and submit it via email to animalshelter@calvertcountymd.gov or by mail to the shelter address.
The shelter operates Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located at 5055 Hallowing Point Rd. in Prince Frederick. To schedule an intake appointment, contact the shelter at 410-535-7387. For current adoptable pets, visit the official site at www.calvertcountyanimalshelter.com, which lists animals by category such as dogs and cats.
The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter bears the name of former Calvert County Commissioner Linda Kelley, an Owings resident and advocate for animal rights who served on the Board of County Commissioners from 1994 to 2010 across multiple terms. Known for her commitment to humane treatment, she supported initiatives including the opening of Safe Harbor for abused women and children, and participated in groups like the Friends of Felines and the Tri-County Animal Shelter. The facility honors her legacy by focusing on compassionate care aligned with principles such as the Five Freedoms of animal welfare.
Calvert County maintains this shelter to handle homeless animals responsibly, with partnerships available for rescue organizations that can receive animals free of charge after meeting criteria, including spay/neuter, disease testing and vaccinations. The Friends of the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in 2018, supports the shelter through fundraising for medical, behavioral and supply needs.
The promotion aligns with the shelter’s ongoing efforts to reduce the population of animals in care, especially those from the prior year. Regular adoption fees typically include $75 for dogs, $40 for cats, $10 for small animals and $15 for livestock, helping cover services like vaccinations and surgeries. Waivers during special periods encourage quicker placements.
Community members in Southern Maryland can follow updates on Instagram at @calvertcountyanimalshelter or Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyAnimalShelter. The shelter also features content like “Live at Linda’s,” a biweekly series showcasing adoptable animals and providing veterinary advice.
This January effort provides an opportunity for residents to welcome a new pet while supporting local animal welfare. Adoption from the shelter contributes to reducing euthanasia rates in open-admission facilities and promotes responsible ownership through included services and screening.