St. Mary's Animal Shelter Reports Higher Intakes, Improved Outcomes

Shelter sees spike in owner surrenders but also boosts in adoptions and reduced euthanasia

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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St. Mary's County's Animal Control Advisory Board reported rising intake numbers at the local animal shelter, with a significant increase in owner surrenders. However, the shelter also saw improved outcomes, including more adoptions and reduced euthanasia rates. The board discussed staffing improvements, community partnerships, and upcoming events to support the shelter's operations.

Why it matters

The trends at the St. Mary's County animal shelter reflect broader challenges facing shelters nationwide, as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic pressures have led to more pet surrenders. However, the shelter's efforts to boost adoptions, expand programs, and engage the community show how animal welfare organizations can adapt to these challenges and improve outcomes for the animals in their care.

The details

The St. Mary's County Animal Control Advisory Board reported that the local animal shelter saw 420 animals enter the facility between January 1 and February 28, 2026, compared to 328 during the same period in 2025. The most significant increase came from owner surrenders, which rose from 96 last year to 183 this year. The shelter also discussed its use of transfer animals from partner shelters to increase adoption interest, and a successful Valentine's Day adoption event that resulted in 64 placements. Overall, the shelter recorded 260 adoptions during the first two months of the year, up from 212 during the same period in 2025. The shelter also saw a reduction in euthanasia, with 14 owner-requested euthanasias and 24 other euthanasias, compared to 61 in that category the previous year. The shelter's unadjusted live release rate was reported at 91%, while the adjusted live release rate, excluding owner-requested euthanasias, reached 94%.

  • Between January 1 and February 28, 2026, the shelter saw 420 animals enter the facility, compared to 328 during the same period in 2025.
  • The shelter recorded 260 adoptions during the first two months of 2026, up from 212 during the same period in 2025.
  • The shelter will host a drive-up rabies clinic on Monday, March 9, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds.

The players

Doug Isleib

The new chair of the St. Mary's County Animal Control Advisory Board.

Hollis Lampe

The Animal Services Division Manager for St. Mary's County.

Susan Morris

A representative from the St. Mary's County Health Department.

Steve Tuttle

The outgoing vice chair of the St. Mary's County Animal Control Advisory Board, who helped advance trap-neuter-return programs and other initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“Twenty feral cats were returned to colonies through trap-neuter-return efforts, and 15 feral cats were adopted through 'barn cat' placements supported by local rescue partners.”

— Hollis Lampe, Animal Services Division Manager

What’s next

The shelter will host a drive-up rabies clinic on Monday, March 9, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds, offering low-cost rabies and distemper vaccinations and microchipping.

The takeaway

The trends at the St. Mary's County animal shelter reflect the broader challenges facing shelters nationwide, but the shelter's efforts to boost adoptions, expand programs, and engage the community show how animal welfare organizations can adapt to these challenges and improve outcomes for the animals in their care.