Every year, YOUR Department of the Environment (DoE) celebrates "Earth Day Every Day" throughout the month in celebration of Earth Day on April 22!
This month, DoE will use its "Power of Being Green" to host events that care for pets, encourage adoption or fostering, and offer events that educate our residents about the importance of being knowledgeable about their pets. In addition, DoE will provide opportunities to shred documents, properly dispose of household hazardous materials, provide free mulch, and much more.
Get social with us using #PGCEarthDayEveryDay and visit our website for ongoing updates at mypgc.us/earthday!
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Share your Furry Family "Fotos"
In honor of Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30, we want to showcase all the furry, feathery, and scaly pets that have been rescued from a shelter to promote the importance of adopting.
Throughout the month of April, post a cute or funny picture of your four or two-legged family member, with the hashtags #PGCEarthDayEveryDay AND #AdoptDontShop.
Emailed photos must be sent by Monday, April 21 to Doecomms@co.pg.md.us.
Shelter is Critical - Please Adopt!
Thank you to our community for assisting us in placing our shelter pets.
We had a successful weekend adopting out our pets, however, the Prince George's County Animal Services and Adoption Facility is still in CRITICAL need of finding loving, FURever homes for its dogs, especially its larger and senior dogs.
Without your IMMEDIATE help, we face the heart-wrenching possibility of finding alternative solutions for healthy, adoptable dogs awaiting their best friend.
Our Animal Services Facility is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, Tue – Fri; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (please arrive one hour prior to closing), and is ready to help you find and adopt. For more information and to see pets ready to be adopted, visit www.princegeorgespets4us.com.
Upcoming Orientation: Saturday, April 26th
Our Animal Services Division (ASD) is looking for volunteers to help walk and socialize dogs, play with cats, assist with feeding animals, cleaning, office work, and other tasks.
If you are 18 years old or older, and interested in helping with animals at the Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC), visit our website at www.princegeorgescountypets4us.com. If you plan to attend an orientation, please RSVP 48 hours before the session by sending an email to asdcommunityoutreach@co.pg.md.us.
ASD NEEDS Student Volunteers!!
ASD is looking for student volunteers! Do you need something for your teen to do during Spring/Summer Break? Is your teen an animal lover interested in learning more about Animal Welfare?
Having students volunteering at ASD benefits our animals, staff, and students. Students will be able to complete their community service hours required for school. Also, having students aged 14-17 come in to volunteer will help them create and develop a work ethic they can use when hired for their first jobs. Those who are interested in entering the animal welfare job field will be able to network and socialize with individuals with the same interests as them. Volunteering with us will expose students to various career paths in the animal welfare industry. If you have a student interested in volunteering at ASD, please email ASDVOLUNTEER@CO.PG.MD.US.
Shout Outs and New Partnerships!
PetSmart National Adoption Week Update
We are excited to announce that five dogs were adopted by loving families at PetSmart during National Adoption Week (March 24th-30th). Four dogs were adopted by loving families from the Bowie location and one from the Silver Spring store! We are so excited that these dogs are now enjoying their lives in their forever homes!
Paws for Justice Dog Walk
Paws for Justice Dog Walk: The event was held on April 5th at Watkins Regional Park from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. We thank the event organizers for allowing us to showcase our adoptable dogs. We had a great time with our dogs!
Love my Largo Event
ASD also attended the Love my Largo event on April 5th to hand out resources to the community. We thank the event organizers for allowing us to participate in this event.
All Adoption Fees Covered
Join ASD and Pohanka Honda ( 1771 Ritchie Station Court, Capital Heights, MD 20743) for a Dog Adoption Event on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pohanka Honda will cover all adoption fees to help us find loving homes for our shelter dogs. For more information, email asdcommunityoutreach@co.pg.md.us.
Be Sure to Microchip Your Pets
Keep your furry friends safe by ensuring they are microchipped. Microchips are small transponders implanted under your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. They provide an extra form of identification if your pet loses their collar and tag while missing. If your pet ends up at a veterinary clinic or an animal shelter, staff will scan your pet for a microchip and contact the brand the chip is registered under to get your contact information. Pets with microchips are more likely to be returned to their owners!
If your pet goes missing, fill out a LOST report at
If you have found a stay animal, fill out a FOUND report at
Limited Spots Still Available
Our Animal Services Division (ASD) is offering qualifying residents of Prince George’s County the opportunity to receive FREE spay and neuter services. Spaying and neutering will help your pet live a healthier and longer life and “Keeps the Litter Away.”
For more information, including to see if you qualify or to receive an application, visit our Spaying and Neutering page.
Nuestra División de Servicios de Animales (ASD por sus siglas en inglés) está ofreciendo a residentes calificados del Condado de Prince George la oportunidad de recibir servicios de castración y esterilización gratis. La castración y esterilización ayuda a su mascota a vivir una vida más larga y saludable y “Mantiene a las Camadas Alejadas”.
Para más información, incluido saber si califica o para recibir una aplicación, visite Spaying and Neutering page.
Pet Parenting Classes
Next Workshop Saturday, May 4, 2025 at 12 p.m.
Learn what it takes to be a responsible pet owner and a great family host to a four-legged friend for its lifetime. Topics such as time, cost, food, toys, medical, safety, social, and more will be covered with Q & A.
Classes will meet the first Saturday of each month at 12 p.m., throughout 2025!
To secure attendance and register for this FREE class, please RSVP to ASDcommunityoutreach@co.pg.md.us.
Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 10 a.m.
FREE Rabbit Handling and Care classes, conducted by senior volunteer, Janelle aka “The Bunny Lady,” will be offered throughout 2025! This hour-long class will cover the handling and care of rabbits, diet, how to clean enclosures, and more for anyone interested in adopting rabbits/bunnies.
Please Support Our Partners!
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Did you know that companion pets help veterans who are living with PTSD, depression, and anxiety? It’s one of the many reasons ASD is an active Pets for Patriots partner. This is one of many ways to help veterans in our community find the love of a new pet friend. For details, please visit petsforpatriots.org. |
Rehome by Adopt-A-Pet
Prince George's County Animal Services Facility and Adoptions Center is partnering with Rehome by Adopt-A-Pet to provide community listings of pets looking for new homes. By partnering with Adopt-A-Pet, we can help pet owners find new families for their pets without them having to enter our shelter.
LINK:https://rehome.adoptapet.com/r/74710.
When you use our referral code, RCXHAQTL2U8AD8Z, your listing fee is just $1!
For more information about how this service works, please visit: https://rehome.adoptapet.com/how-it-works.
For pet owner FAQs, please visit: https://rehome.zendesk.com/hc/en-us.
Check Out the Calendar of Events
As we commemorate Earth Month during April, there are lots of ways to celebrate our pets. Whether it is Volunteer Training Days, Rabbit Handling Care Training or free spay and neuter services, ASD has something for pet owners. During April, we also celebrate National Ferret Day, International Guide Dog Day or Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. For more information, visit www.princegeorgescountypets4us.com. Check out the calendar below to see all the fun dates.
According to the Animal Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) the 3 days - 3 weeks - 3 months guideline is important because it provides realistic expectations for both pets and owners. It also emphasizes the need for patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. New routines, habits, and trust take time to develop which means animals need time to adjust to their new environments.
The 3-3-3 guideline for pet adoption is a phased adjustment period to help with the decompression and adjustment during a pet’s transition into a new home. For more information, visit www.aspcapro.org/resource/pet-adjustment-periods-3-days-3-weeks-3-months-guide.
If you have found stray kittens in your neighborhood, there are important steps to follow to insure your safety and the kittens safety.
Those steps include:
If the kitten is injured or visibly sick, call Animal Control
at (301) 780-7200 and press 1.
Observe from a distance.
Avoid handling.
Wait 10-12 hours before moving them in case their mother returns.
 View All Our Adoptable Animals:
24petconnect.com/PGEOADOPT
Search Available Dogs
Search Available Cats
Search Small Animals & Other
Gretal AKA Shiloh Finds a Loving Home
You may remember Gretel, the seven-month-old Parson Russell terrier who came in as a stray a few weeks ago. Gretel, now known as "Shiloh," was quickly adopted and is enjoying life with her forever family.
Here is a heartwarming update from her family: "Our family wanted to thank you so much for allowing us to adopt such a wonderful puppy into our family. Formerly known as Gretel and newly named "Shiloh," she was a much-needed addition to our family. We also want to thank two people at the animal shelter who were beyond helpful, although I do not recall their names. One was a young gentleman at the front desk who answered many of our questions. He was never bothered by us and was so informative. Another was a young gentleman who worked in the back (intake) and was so kind and full of patience to give me the inside scoop about the animal's personality to help us find a good mutual fit between family and pet."
ASD thanks Shiloh's new pet family for adopting this sweet girl. We have many more adoptable pets at ASD; you can view them by going to 24petconnect.com/PGEOADOPT.
In addition to dogs and cats, ASD houses many reptiles! Below are a few that are available:
Meet Hooch
Hooch(A556781) is a seven-year-old brindle neutered male Plott Hound/Chihuahua mix that was surrendered due to his owner moving. He is now looking for his forever home!
To adopt Hooch (A556781), visit www.princegeorgespets4us.com.
Meet Tank
Tank (A440171) is a 10-year-old black and white spayed neutered male American Bulldog. He came in as a stray and he is now looking for his forever home!
For more information on how you can adopt Tank (A440171), visit www.princegeorgespets4us.com.
Meet Fergie!
Fergie (A554965) is a two-year-old tan female English bulldog mix currently in foster care.
Fergie (A554965) is ready to join her forever home team! This loveable girl is geared up in her @Commanders colors and is cheering for a touchdown in the NFC Championship---and in your heart. She's a star player with a game plan for snuggles, couch cuddling, and endless love. Draft Fergie (A554965) for your family today!
For more information on how you can adopt Fergie (A554965), visit www.princegeorgespets4us.com.
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Meet Max!
Max (A557241) may be seven years old, but don't let that number fool you. This handsome Boxer still has plenty of pep in his step. With a heart as big as his paws and a love for treats that knows no bounds, Max (A557241) is ready to charm his way into your home (and maybe into your snack stash, too!).
This lovable guy is a pro at sit-and-shake, and he's always happy to show off his skills—especially if there's a treat involved! Max (A557241) is looking for a family who will give him all the love, belly rubs, and yummy snacks he deserves.
For more information on how you can adopt Max (A557241), visit www.princegeorgespets4us.com.
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Pet Fostering Saves Lives
The Pet Foster Program allows people and families who are unable to commit to a long-term adoption the opportunity to care for an animal on a short-term basis. This program helps save an animal’s life!
The process of becoming a foster parent is easy! Complete, sign, and return the Foster Care application and agreement found online at pgcsprout.info/fosterpets. Once your application has been reviewed by ASD staff, you will be sent online orientation information. Please be prepared with animals you're interested in fostering within 72 hours of passing the orientation.
Email a completed application to our foster program at fosterPGCpets@co.pg.md.us or contact adoption staff at 301-780-7200!
If you have a "furry foto" you would like to be featured in Animal Chatter, please email a brief biography and a photo of your favorite pet to jhall@co.pg.md.us.
The Prince George's County Animal Shelter wants everyone to "Help Us Help Them" by adopting or fostering a pet, volunteering at the shelter, spaying and microchipping your pets, or donating needed supplies. Your kindness and generosity will make a tremendous difference in the lives of our shelter pets.
Please find room in your heart and/or home for a FURever friend. For more information on how YOU can HELP, visit www.princegeorgespets4us.com.
Urgent Need for Kuranda Beds
Consider Donating Now!
Due to our high volume of intakes, we are having a shortage of Kuranda beds and we are asking our community to Show Some Love and donate a Kuranda bed. We are also looking for NEW bedding or towels and toys for their merriment (cat toys, Kongs, Nylabones, frisbees).
As part of enrichment programs, we are looking for shelter-approved toys that help keep animals entertained and occupied with mental stimulation while at the shelter. This can help their true personalities shine through despite being stressed. For recommendations on donations, visit our enrichment item wishlist here.
Our kennel still needs donated items such as new bedding, cleaning supplies, and foster items such as scales or kitten milk. Please see the kennel supply wishlist here.
We are not currently accepting used bedding, pillows, stuffed animals, plush toys, or items with stuffing.
In addition, ASD is strongly encouraging donations of Kuranda beds of all sizes for our doggie friends. There are lots of benefits for pets sleeping on Kuranda Beds, including:
- Kuranda beds are the superior choice in shelters and rescues due to their durability and the added protection of a one-year Chew Proof Warranty.
- Shelters prefer Kuranda beds since they are easy to clean and sanitize, minimizing the spread of infectious diseases.
- The elevated sleep surface helps regulate body temperature in warmer and cooler months.
- The orthopedic design alleviates pressure points on joints.
- Quality sleep reduces stress, which keeps animals healthy and feeling good while they await their forever homes.
Check out shelterbeds.org/donate/22654 for more information on how to donate.
Prince George's County Animal Services
The Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center hours of operation are:
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Sunday and Monday
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Closed
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Tuesday through Friday
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10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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Saturday
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10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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In addition to the hours listed above, please note the following times for walk-throughs, pet interactions, and building access:
Last walk-through 1 hour before closing.
5:00 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
3:00 p.m. Saturday
Last interaction 45 minutes before closing.
5:15 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
3:15 p.m. Saturday
Last person in the building 15 minutes before closing.
5:45 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
3:45 p.m. Saturday
For an animal-related emergency, stray animal, animal bite, lost or found pet, carcass removal, deceased pet disposal, owner surrender appointments, and euthanasia appointments, please call our main line at 301-780-7200 and press "1" for customer service. Photos of found animals that are here in our facility can be viewed online at 24petconnect.com/PGEOLostMyPet.
If you find your lost pet on our website, please contact our customer service department for assistance with redeeming your pet. Be sure to check with public postings and back with the shelter periodically.
For nuisance wildlife, call the MD Department of Natural Resources hotline at 877-463-6497.
Applications for adoption can be completed online or in person by appointment only. View available cats, dogs, and small animals for adoption by visiting 24petconnect.com/PGEOADOPT. Please note the Animal I.D. #’s of animals you are interested in. For applications and more information, visit our website at bit.ly/pgcadoptapet or press "2" after calling our main number.
Animal licenses can be purchased online here. If you require further assistance, call our main line at 301-780-7200 and press "3" for licensing.
To inquire about low-cost spay or neuter at the Spay Spot Clinic, located inside our facility, please call 301-254-8151.
To volunteer, foster a pet, or for humane education services, press "6" on our main line.
Anyone turning in an animal on closed days or after hours, please call 301-780-7200.
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