SafeKeep Program


The Office of Animal Services's Safekeep program provides temporary care of owned pets while their owners are unable to care for their pet(s) due to illness, homelessness, or other emergencies. We offer this service as a last resort, when other options such as care with a friend or family member have been exhausted.

Our program is designed to provide short term housing for eligible pets with the goal of reuniting you with your pet! Space in the program is limited, and your pet must meet medical and behavioral criteria to be considered for foster placement.

Before you fill out the application, please consider the following:
Have you reached out to family/friends to take care of your pet(s)?
Established that your need for animal care is temporary?

Before you complete the SafeKeep application, be sure your answer is "yes" to all of the following statements:

  • Yes, I am working with a Montgomery County social worker, case manager, or allied agency, or will be able to establish a relationship with one while my animal is in the care of OAS.
  • Yes, I or my case manager am available for a weekly check-in call with the OAS.
  • Yes, I plan to take my pet home within thirty (30) days.
  • Yes, my pet is used to living indoors.
  • Yes, my pet is overall healthy and/or currently taking medicine that maintains their health.
  • Yes, my pet is friendly towards strangers.
  • Yes, I am willing to have my pet spayed or neutered.
​After completing the application a representative of OAS will be in touch within four (4) business days. If you have additional questions about the SafeKeep Program, please email admissionsmcasac@montgomerycountymd.gov or call the shelter at 240-773-5900.