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St. Mary's County shelter reports big 2025 intake rise, improved live-release rates; seeks FY27 budget support
Summary
Shelter staff reported 2,950 intakes in 2025 (a 53% year-over-year increase), higher live-release rates (overall 89%; dogs and cats ~88%), and 5,684 volunteer hours; county staff said the shelter will request additional positions and operating funds in its FY27 submission due Jan. 12.
Tina James, shelter operations supervisor, told the St. Mary's County Animal Control Advisory Board on Jan. 7 that the county animal shelter handled 2,950 domestic animal intakes in 2025, a 53% increase from the previous year.
"We processed 1,621 adoptions, and we reunited 311 lost pets with their owners," James said. She said staff and partner organizations transferred 376 animals to rescues and that with a cat-rescue partnership the shelter sterilized and vaccinated 367 feral cats last year.
James said the shelter improved its overall live-release rate from 82% to 89% despite higher intake. "Our dog live-release rate went from 82% up to 88% and our cat live-release rate went from 79% to 88%," she said, and added that the shelter expects to reach a 90% live-release rate in 2026.
Shelter staff also reduced average lengths of stay: dogs averaged 14 days (12 days in the facility) in 2025, down from 22 days in 2024; cats averaged 19 days (15 days in facility), down from about 30 days previously. Volunteers increased their contribution, logging 5,684 hours in 2025, James said.
The board asked about the pet pantry and community supports; James said the pantry remains active and that the shelter distributed about 600 pounds of pet food in December to community members in need.
A county staff member gave a preliminary preview of the FY27 budget process and the shelter's request. The staff member said the shelter's FY27 budget submission is due to county finance on Jan. 12; operating budgets are due to the county commissioners on Feb. 10, and the county's budget work session is scheduled for March 10, when departments will discuss their proposed packages publicly.
"Broadly speaking, we are requesting support for additional positions in our animal shelter and animal services division," the county staff member said, adding the department would also pursue available grant-funded programs to offset costs.
Board members praised the shelter's outreach and fundraising events, including adoption promotions and seasonal community events, and endorsed planned steps—such as a formal foster program and extended open hours—to sustain improvements in live-release rates.
Next steps: the shelter will finalize its FY27 submission by Jan. 12 and participate in the county's budget review process beginning in late January and February.
