PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Friends of the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter (FOLLKAS) marked its 7th anniversary on Jan. 10, 2026, celebrating seven years of supporting the Calvert County Animal Shelter, officially known as the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter. The nonprofit, led by President Laurel Matthews, expressed deep gratitude to staff members, volunteers, foster families, adopters, donors, rescue partners, and local businesses that have enabled its mission.
FOLLKAS was established in September 2018 by four longtime animal welfare advocates in Calvert County to partner with the newly opened county shelter. The group received its Maryland charter on Oct. 9, 2018, coinciding with the late Linda Kelley’s birthday. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, FOLLKAS accepts and distributes public donations to fund needs not covered by county resources, including medical care, bills, food, treats, enrichment items, building the shelter’s medical room, and assistance in animal cruelty and dogfighting cases.
Over the past seven years, FOLLKAS has fulfilled every request for support from the shelter and animal control team. The organization has helped provide care for animals arriving scared, sick, surrendered, or grieving previous homes. Through combined efforts, shy animals have gained confidence, healed, and found happy endings, while the team has handled difficult goodbyes and celebrated adoptions.
The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter, located at 5055 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick, opened on Nov. 1, 2018, as Calvert County’s first dedicated open-admission facility. It replaced older arrangements and fulfills the vision of former County Commissioner Linda Kelley, who served from 1994 to 2010 and advocated tirelessly for humane animal treatment. Kelley, an Owings resident, served on boards including Friends of Felines and Tri-County Animal Shelter, and championed initiatives like Safe Harbor for abused women and children.
The shelter, managed by the Animal Shelter Division under the Department of Public Safety, provides compassionate care, medical attention, full bellies, and safe harbor. It handles strays, owner surrenders, and cruelty cases, collaborating with animal control officers who enforce county and state laws on pet welfare.
Volunteers contribute time for daily care, fundraisers, enrichment, and socialization. Foster families open homes to allow decompression and create space for more intakes. Adopters offer permanent homes, while donors fund critical needs. FOLLKAS has supported efforts that include supplemental medical treatments, behavioral assessments, and supplies for investigations.
The anniversary announcement highlighted the shelter team’s dedication to humane community protection and the board’s hard work, including members Debbie, Jenna, Dr. Fletcher, and volunteers. Matthews credited the group’s success to collective support, stating none of the aid would have been possible without community involvement.
FOLLKAS invites continued participation through donations, fostering, volunteering, adopting, or sharing information to sustain life-saving work. The shelter regularly promotes adoptions through events, fee waivers, and social media, addressing capacity issues and seasonal intakes.
This milestone reflects the growth of animal welfare in Calvert County since the shelter’s opening, with FOLLKAS playing a key role in enhancing care beyond basic operations. The partnership has ensured homeless animals receive comprehensive support, aligning with Kelley’s legacy of compassion.