How to Adopt

Thank you for your interest in adopting from Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center. MCASAC has many wonderful dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, snakes, turtles and other animals waiting for new homes!

Adopt Same Day!

We do same-day adoptions! Should you fall in love, you will take them home that day! If the animal you are interested in is ready to go, be prepared to take them home as soon as you finalize the adoption!
Need more time or unsure? Ask about our trial adoption or foster-to-adopt program!

First Come, First-Served

Please note, there is no guarantee that any particular animal will be available for adoption at the time of your visit. In the interest of finding as many homes as possible, we are first-come, first-served. We do not place animals on holds based on questionnaires.

If a particular animal has gone home by the time of your visit, we will try to find someone similar (who might even turn out to be a better fit!). You can see who is available for adoption before your visit at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/index.html. The website updates every two hours.

How to Adopt:

Step 1: Complete the Adoption Questionnaire

What kind of pet are you interested in? Complete the Adoption Questionnaire to let us know! You can complete the adoption questionnaire ahead of time online, or fill it out at the shelter when you arrive.

¿Habla español? ¡Complete el questionario de adopción en español!

If you would like to fill out the questionnaire in Chinese, please download the form here and bring it with you to the shelter.

Step 2: Prepare for Your Visit!

Please bring a government-issued photo ID with you such as your driver’s license.
If you live in Montgomery County and currently own cats, dogs, or ferrets, please bring their rabies certificates with you to the shelter. You may also license cats and dogs online before your trip. For more information on licensing, visit our Pet Licensing page.
We rely on donated supplies so if you can, please bring a carrier if adopting a cat or small animal or a leash and collar/harness if adopting a dog. (Please do not bring retractable leashes. Thank you!)

Be prepared to pay the adoption and pet licensing fee, if applicable. For a list of adoption fees visit our Adoption Fees page.

Step 3: Come to the Shelter!

Visit us at 7315 Muncaster Mill Rd. in Derwood, MD. You may walk through the shelter and view our available animals any time we are open!

Have a look around!
Select two animals you would like to meet. We can help you decide on whom to meet. If at the end of your visit you still want to meet more animals, you can always ask to be placed back on the waiting list.
Bring all required documents to the front desk. Your name will be added to our waiting list once all required paperwork is received (questionnaire and pet license, if applicable).

Wait time and availability will depend on adoption demand and staffing levels day-to-day.
Please note, we serve the last adopter one hour before closing. At that time, we will invite those waiting to come back another time.

We can’t wait to meet you and introduce you to your new family member(s)!

FAQ

What does it cost to adopt?

Our adoption fees can be found here .

What does the adoption fee include?

The following is a breakdown of what is included in the adoption fee.

Dogs:

Spay/Neuter
Microchip
Heartworm test
Distemper, Bordatella, and Rabies Vaccines
Flea treatment and de-worming

Cats:

Spay/Neuter
Microchip
Feline Leukemia/Feline AIDS test
Distemper and Rabies Vaccines
Flea treatment and de-worming

What if I just want to look around?

You may visit the adoption center any time we are open and view our available animals through the windows of their enclosures.

What if I want to visit with the animals?

Complete the Adoption Questionnaire and indicate your interest in a cat, dog, or other animal. Make sure to bring in the required documents. Customer service staff will add you to the wait list to speak to the next available adoption counselor.

When will I be able to take my new pet home?

We do same-day adoptions! Should you fall in love during your appointment, you will take them home that day!

What if I am only interested in a particular animal or type of animal?

We cannot guarantee a particular animal will be available at the time of your visit. In the interest of finding as many homes as possible we are first-come, first-served by appointment. We do not place animals on hold based on questionnaires.

What about my pets at home?

Please leave your pets at home prior to your initial visit to the shelter. We will help you determine the best way to introduce your new pet to your current pet(s). An adoption counselor may also schedule an introduction at the shelter.

Can I adopt if I live out of state/county?

Yes! Adopters from all over are welcome to visit us and adopt a pet! All we ask is that the person adopting is able to visit us in person. We do not transport pets.

What if I want to adopt an animal that is currently in foster care?

Once you submit your questionnaire, adoption staff will direct the foster family to schedule a meet and greet with you.

After the meet and greet, contact the adoption team to let them know if you would like to move forward. They will set up an appointment for you to finalize the adoption. At that time you must bring copies of rabies certificates for any dogs, cats, or ferrets in the household and if you are a Montgomery County resident you will need to purchase pet license(s) if your pets are not already licensed with the county.

Interested in a Barn Cat?

Sometimes known as "barn cats," Freelance Felines are working cats that live on your property and help deter pests and rodents. Visit this page to learn more!

For questions/concerns regarding pet adoption, please email us at [email protected].