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Derwood Today
By the People, for the People
Montgomery County Animal Shelter Finds Homes for 18 Dogs
The shelter reached critical capacity and appealed to the community for help.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center was able to find permanent homes for 18 dogs over the weekend after reaching a "critical capacity" level. The shelter had seen a surge in dog drop-offs, taking in 29 dogs between March 4 and 6, sending its population over 100 dogs and struggling to find kennel space. Officials called on the community to help find homes for its large dog intakes, and the shelter was able to place six other dogs in foster homes as well.
Why it matters
Animal shelters across the country often struggle with overcrowding, especially for larger dogs that can be more difficult to place. This situation highlights the importance of community support and adoption efforts to ensure animal welfare and prevent euthanasia at shelters that reach critical capacity levels.
The details
The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center spokesperson Maria Anselmo told WTOP News that 18 dogs found their forever homes by Sunday, with two pending adoptions. The shelter had specifically called on the community to help find homes for its large dog intakes, explaining that "bigger dogs often wait the longest for homes." Anselmo said the shelter hopes the momentum of adoptions and fosters continues so they can get to at least 75 dogs, as they currently have 79 dogs in the shelter and 27 in foster.
- On March 4-6, the shelter took in 29 dogs, sending its population over 100 dogs.
- By Sunday, March 9, the shelter was able to home 18 dogs and place 6 others in foster care.
The players
Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center
The animal shelter that reached critical capacity and appealed to the community for help adopting and fostering dogs.
Maria Anselmo
A spokesperson for the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center.
What they’re saying
“As of this moment, there are 79 dogs in shelter and 27 dogs in foster.”
— Maria Anselmo, Shelter Spokesperson (WTOP News)
“Bigger dogs often wait the longest for homes.”
— Maria Anselmo, Shelter Spokesperson (WTOP News)
What’s next
The shelter will continue its efforts to find permanent homes for the remaining dogs in its care, and is appealing to the community to consider adopting or fostering animals in need.
The takeaway
This situation highlights the ongoing challenge of animal overpopulation and the critical role that community support plays in ensuring the welfare of shelter animals. By adopting or fostering dogs, especially larger breeds, residents can make a meaningful difference in their local animal shelter's ability to care for and rehome pets in need.
