LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Facing a sharp increase in animal shelter intake, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County approved a new partnership designed to support the county’s Animal Adoption and Resource Center and expand lifesaving services without adding costs to the county budget.
At their January 13 meeting, the Commissioners unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Animal Rescue & Outreach Organization (AROO), a newly formed nonprofit that works closely with county animal services to provide medical care, volunteer support, and adoption assistance for shelter animals.
According to information presented during the meeting, the county shelter took in more than 2,900 animals in calendar year 2025 and is on pace to exceed 3,400 animals in fiscal year 2026—a year-over-year increase of approximately 65 percent. County officials said the growing volume has placed additional strain on shelter resources, making partnerships like AROO increasingly important.
Despite the rise in intake, shelter outcomes have improved. Officials reported that adoptions nearly doubled over the past year, while the live release rate increased from 82 percent to 89 percent. The average length of stay for animals also declined, a key factor in reducing stress and improving adoptability.
AROO representatives told commissioners that their organization was formed specifically to support the county shelter by filling gaps that public funding cannot always address. Through private donations and community fundraising, AROO has already paid for veterinary procedures that would otherwise have been cost-prohibitive, funded improvements to outdoor play yards, and supported the shelter’s pet food pantry, which helps residents keep animals in their homes during financial hardship.
One example shared during the meeting involved a dog that arrived at the shelter with a large tumor and was at risk of euthanasia due to the cost of treatment. AROO raised the necessary funds for surgery, allowing the dog to recover and ultimately be adopted.
The MOU formalizes coordination between AROO and county animal services, ensuring that all support efforts align with shelter operations and animal welfare standards. County staff emphasized that the agreement does not commit county funds, but instead leverages private donations, volunteers, and community engagement.
In his post-meeting update to residents, Commissioner Eric Colvin highlighted the partnership as an example of how collaboration can help the county respond to growing needs while remaining fiscally responsible.
County officials also noted that volunteer involvement has surged alongside adoption rates, with volunteer hours more than doubling in the past year. Those efforts, combined with nonprofit support, are helping the shelter manage higher intake while improving outcomes for animals.
The partnership takes effect immediately, and county leaders encouraged residents interested in helping to consider volunteering, fostering, or supporting local animal welfare organizations.
