PRINCE FREDERICK, MD – Two working cats named Maroon and Pascal are now available for adoption through the Calvert County Animal Shelter’s Working Cat Program, offering natural rodent control for barns, warehouses, workshops, or farms in Southern Maryland.
The shelter introduced the pair on social media in late March 2026. Although they arrived separately, Maroon and Pascal quickly formed a close bond and are frequently found snuggled together. Shelter staff describe them as ready to work as a team or individually while making themselves at home in suitable outdoor environments.
The Calvert County Working Cat Program places under-socialized, outdoor-oriented cats with property owners who need eco-friendly pest control. These cats are not suited for typical indoor pet homes but thrive in settings such as barns, sheds, retail stores, body shops, or car dealerships where they can patrol and keep rodent populations in check without the use of toxic chemicals.
“These two working cats didn’t arrive together, but you’d never know it. Maroon and Pascal have become the best of buds and can almost always be found snuggled side by side,” the shelter posted. “While they enjoy each other’s company, they’re also ready to put their skills to work in a barn, warehouse, or workshop, where they can help keep things in order. Looking for a dynamic duo to join your team? Maroon and Pascal are ready to clock in — together or separately — and make themselves at home.”
Calvert County operates the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter at 5055 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick. The facility serves as an open-admission shelter, accepting stray and owner-surrendered animals from residents across the county. The Working Cat Program provides an alternative placement option for cats that prefer independence and outdoor access rather than couch life.
Adoption fees for cats at the shelter are $40, which helps cover veterinary services, spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and other care provided before placement. Potential adopters of working cats must demonstrate they have an appropriate property with safe shelter, food, water, and veterinary access as needed. The program emphasizes responsible placement to ensure the cats’ welfare while delivering practical benefits to farms and businesses in Calvert, St. Mary’s, and surrounding Southern Maryland communities.
Southern Maryland’s agricultural and waterfront properties frequently face rodent challenges, especially near barns storing feed or equipment. Working cats offer a natural, sustainable solution that aligns with local efforts to reduce chemical use near the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program has placed dozens of cats in recent years, helping both animals and property owners.
Anyone interested in adopting Maroon, Pascal, or other working cats can view current availability online at www.calvertcountyanimalshelter.com/WorkingCats. The shelter encourages qualified adopters to apply promptly, as working cat placements are processed on a first-qualified basis with no holds placed on animals.
Shelter hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Monday reserved for reclaim and surrender only. On Sunday, the shelter is closed. For more information on the adoption process, fees, or the Working Cat Program, residents can visit the Calvert County government website or contact the shelter directly.
This adoption opportunity comes as Calvert County continues community efforts to manage animal populations responsibly while supporting local agriculture and small businesses. Working cats like Maroon and Pascal provide an effective, low-maintenance option for rodent control that benefits both the animals and the community they serve.
