PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Oct. 23, 2023 – On Nov. 1, 2023, the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter will celebrate five years of service to Calvert County. The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter is named in honor of former County Commissioner Linda L. Kelley, who was widely known as a vocal animal rights advocate. On Nov. 1, 2018, the shelter opened its doors to fulfill Kelley’s vision of humane treatment of animals and providing resources to the citizens of Calvert County. Now, five years later, the shelter additionally partners with the Department of Public Safety, Animal Control Division, to provide a broader range of services to the citizens and animals in our community.

            Public Safety Deputy Director Crystal Dowd stated, “We thank the community for its unwavering dedication and commitment to our mission. Together, we have made a profound difference in the lives of animals and the people of Calvert County. Here’s to many more years of hard work, compassion, countless lives saved and making a positive impact in our region.”

            Since the shelter opened, it has grown in numerous ways. Examples include:

·         Foster and Volunteer Program - The established program has been instrumental in saving the lives of animals that required round-the-clock care, as well as providing enrichment and socialization of the animals to ensure adoption. It’s a testament to the incredible support received from shelter volunteers.

·         Rescue Partnerships - Through numerous rescue partnerships, the shelter has expanded its reach and found loving homes for 1,384 animals!

·         Full-time Veterinarian - This invaluable addition has allowed the shelter to establish a surgical area where necessary surgeries can be performed on site. This includes spay/neuter procedures, which help control the pet population.

·         Monthly Drive-Thru Free Rabies Clinic - The shelter offers a monthly drive-thru rabies clinic, ensuring pets in our community receive essential vaccinations that help prevent illnesses.

·         Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Grant for Spay/Neuter - The shelter received a grant from the MDA that enables the shelter to provide free spay/neuter services to pet owners who financially would have been unable to obtain the surgery.

In honor of the shelter’s anniversary, and as a token of appreciation for continued community support, the shelter is offering reduced adoption fees of just $5 for all animals to qualified adopters from Tuesday, Oct. 31, through Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. To learn more about the adoption process, visit CalvertCountyAnimalShelter.com/3168/Adoption.

For more information on the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter and animals available for adoption visit CalvertCountyAnimalShelter.com.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.