The St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption & Resource Center in Leonardtown, Md., has extended its emergency closure to the public through Monday, March 16, 2026, due to a significant influx of animals that has overwhelmed available space and staff resources.
The shelter, operated by St. Mary’s County government, initially closed on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and now requires additional time to process and care for the large intake safely. Normal operations are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
During the closure, the center continues to accept emergency cases. Owner surrenders are permitted only by appointment. Adoptions remain paused until reopening. The facility emphasized that such temporary measures allow staff to prioritize immediate animal care, intake procedures, and placement needs when a substantial number of animals arrive at once.
An urgent call has gone out for dog fosters to begin placements as early as Friday, March 13, 2026, amid the unprecedented influx. Interested individuals are directed to complete a quick survey for consideration, with the shelter team following up afterward. Due to high volume, phone inquiries about fostering are not being accepted; questions should go to Claire.stevens@stmaryscountymd.gov.
For those who find a stray animal, residents should visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/LFpets or contact the Animal Control Division at (301) 475-8018. The shelter also encouraged community sharing of the foster request to reach more potential volunteers in St. Mary’s County.
This development comes against a backdrop of rising animal intakes in the county. Earlier reports from 2026 noted increased owner surrenders and overall entries at the shelter, which is required to accept animals regardless of breed, temperament, health, or origin—including strays, surrenders, rescues, and confiscations. The center focuses on compassionate care, veterinary services, and live-release placements through adoptions and fostering programs.
The closure underscores the challenges faced by municipal shelters in Southern Maryland in handling surges, particularly for dogs in this instance. Community support through fostering provides critical temporary relief, freeing up space and offering animals a lower-stress environment until permanent homes are found.
The Animal Adoption & Resource Center’s mission centers on protecting and advocating for companion animals in need while promoting adoptions and volunteer involvement, including neonatal and adult fostering initiatives.
Residents planning visits or considering adoptions should monitor official updates via the county website or social channels for confirmation of reopening. The shelter’s address is in Leonardtown, serving all of St. Mary’s County.