The Calvert County Animal Shelter is asking residents to consider adopting this month, waiving fees for every adoptable animal through the end of August as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign — including for Sugar Pie, a 2-year-old mixed breed who has been waiting six weeks for a home.
Shelter staff and volunteers describe Sugar Pie as a toy-loving dog who has quickly become a favorite around the shelter. One volunteer reportedly called her their new favorite among the animals currently up for adoption.
The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter’s 2026 Clear the Shelters event runs Saturday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 29, with adoption fees waived for all adoptable animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, roosters and pigs. The shelter is also participating in the Maryland 3,000 Adoption Challenge, a statewide push to place at least 3,000 animals into homes across Maryland during August.
Even with fees waived, every adoption still includes spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, age-appropriate vaccinations and a starter care package to help the animal settle into its new home. Standard adoption procedures and approval requirements still apply, and prospective adopters go through the shelter’s usual screening process.
Those interested in adopting Sugar Pie or another animal can start the adoption process at calvertcountymd.gov/3168/Adoption. More information about Sugar Pie specifically, including additional photos, is available on the shelter’s online listing.
