Before you adopt, careful consideration must be given to the responsibilities of pet ownership

Special Note for Renters:  You will need to bring written proof that your landlord allows you to keep a pet, as well as a telephone number so that the landlord can be notified.  If living with parents, parents must give permission. 

Home Owners:  If you are the homeowner, you will need to bring proof of ownership.  This could be in the form of a current tax bill, deed, etc.

Adoptions fees are $15 for cats and $20 for dogs, plus an additional spay/neuter deposit of $20 for Allegany County Residents or $50 for others. If you are adopting an altered dog the fees are $40.00, altered cats are $35.00.  Additionally, you will be responsible for a rabies vaccination and dog license if applicable.

Please be advised that we try very hard here to show you the animals that APPEAR to be healthy and adoptable. HOWEVER, you should know that in spite of our best efforts to keep down disease, it is impossible to guarantee that every animal adopted will have a clean bill of health. You must take your new pet to a Veterinarian within 14 days to have it checked.

No refunds will be given unless accompanied by a veterinarian's certificate of illness or injury.

If your new pet becomes sick YOU will have to decide whether you want to invest the money to make him well. We are UNABLE to assist anyone with veterinarian bills.

Information regarding the adopter of any animal from the Allegany County Animal Shelter is regarded as confidential and will not be released without a court order. Should an animal be identified after adoption by the previous who desires its’ return, the ASM will convey this information to the adopting party.

Animal Adoptions

The Shelter will be open to the public for viewing of animals and adoptions,
Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.   CLOSED Noon - 1 :00 pm for lunch
and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Adoption policies will be strictly enforced to ensure that all animals adopted through the Allegany County Animal Shelter will be treated humanely and placed in a home with responsible pet owners only.

Adoption Guidelines

• Adopters must obey all state and county laws pertaining to animals. A copy of the Allegany County Animal laws is provided to anyone making the request for this information..

• Adopters agree to comply with designated dates for rabies inoculations and county animal licensure.

• To have the new pet examined by a licensed veterinarian within fourteen (14) days of its' adoption to ensure its' present and future health.

• To provide proper food, proper water and proper shelter (when pet is outdoors). Proper shade must be provided in the summer months as well as proper water.

• To keep the pet as their own, not abandon. If you can no longer keep the pet, you must contact the Allegany County Animal Shelter. Placement options for your pet will be discussed with you.

• To keep the pet well groomed and make every effort to keep it free of parasites.

• All adopted dogs must wear collars with identification tags, rabies and license tags. If the animal is lost, a tag is the best way to reunite the animal with its' owner.

• A fenced yard is ideal for all dogs. This protects the dog from roaming and owners from liability heir loose animal can cause. Dogs should never be left unattended in a yard. Chaining, except for brief periods, is not acceptable. Dogs will not be placed in homes where they will be allowed to run at large.

• Currently owned animals must be licensed and be up to date on required inoculations.

• The adoption of puppies and/or kittens under three (3) months of age, very small dogs or potentially aggressive dogs will be discouraged to homes with young children.

• Each cage will display a card with all pertinent information completed and show the date the animal is available for adoption.

• The Allegany County Animal Shelter reserves the right to deny any adoption based on previous Animal Control records and the Pre-adoption questionnaire.

• If an adopted animal dies, then the owner must notify Animal Control.

Animals Offered For Adoption

• All adoptable animals are offered on a first come, first serve basis. The Allegany County Animal Control Department reserves the right to deny any adoption on the basis of previous Animal Control records or the Pre-adoption questionnaire.
• Adoptable animals will be identified as "For Adoption".
• The specified adoption fee and spay/neuter fee must be paid at the time of adoption.
• All adopters are given the following:
  • a copy of the condensed animal control laws of Allegany County will be provided upon request
  • starter kits
  • copy of animal care brochures
• Puppies who have bitten and still have their puppy teeth may be adopted if the circumstances surrounding the bite and its’ in-shelter behavior warrant the animal suitable for adoption.
• No animal is held for adoption.  Stray animals have a holding time, if not claimed by an owner at the end of that time, the animal shall be deemed abandoned and become the property of the Allegany County Commissioners. The stray animal will then either be offered for adoption or humanly euthanized.

Animals Not For Adoption

• Animals that are known to have bitten or exhibited vicious tendencies will not be available for adoption.
• Puppies and Kittens under the age of eight (8) weeks of age. ( Maryland State Law Article 27, section 60B.)
• Wolf Hybrids and wild animals will not be offered for adoption.
• When identified as pregnant, these animals are not normally identified as for adoption. Individuals wishing to adopt pregnant animals will be required to seek immediate spay of the animal at the adopter's expense.
• Animals in heat will not be offered for adoption.

Adoption Policy

This policy will be strictly enforced to ensure that all animals adopted through the Allegany County Animal Shelter will be treated humanely and placed in home with responsible pet owners only. All persons seeking to adopt an animal through the Allegany County Animal Shelter must fill out a pre adoption questionnaire. The following policy has been implemented in regards to person who are ineligible to adopt animals from the shelter.

Any person who has been found guilty of abandonment or cruelty to animals under Article 27, Sections 59 and or 60 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Any person who has turned over custody of an animal to an ACO to avoid prosecution regarding any violation pertaining to the Annotated Code of Maryland or Allegany County Code.

Any person, who in the opinion of a licensed Veterinarian, has cruelty treated, abused or neglected an animal.

Any person with a past history of animal control problems/complaints/violations.

Any person under the age of 21, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Any person not owning their residence must provide proof, in writing from the landlord that they have permission to have animal on the property.

No animal will be adopted as a gift for another person.

Any person violating the spay/neuter contract.

Anyone with the following criteria may ONLY adopt an animal with the approval of the ASM:

Any person who has turned over custody, to the Animal Shelter any animal in a one year period of time. (Stray or Feral animals are exempt from this policy)

Any person Cited and found guilty if a violation of section 117 of Allegany Co. Code Home Rule.

Any person who seeks to adopt more than two (2) animals in a three (3) month period requires approval of the Animal Shelter Manager to adopt.