Commissioners approve MOU with new animal rescue group to support county shelter

The Commissioners of St. Mary's County approved an MOU with the Animal Rescue and Outreach Organization (ARU), a newly formed nonprofit that presented plans to support the county animal shelter through fundraising, veterinary assistance and volunteer programs.

Jen Hutt of the Department of Emergency Services introduced ARU leadership and described rising shelter intakes: the shelter took in more than 2,900 animals in calendar year 2024 and was on pace to intake about 3,400 in fiscal year 2026. ARU President Doug Islip said the nonprofit will raise funds for medical care, expand a foster‑care program, support volunteer efforts to reduce animals’ length of stay and operate a pet food pantry.

“Some of the community initiatives we’re working on are Eagle Scout projects, landscaping and enrichment for the play yards, and programs to make animals more adoptable,” ARU representatives told the commissioners. ARU leaders said they had already paid veterinary bills for cases beyond the shelter’s budget and run training programs in partnership with a local trainer to improve adoptability.

Commissioners praised the proposal, asked how residents could volunteer or donate, and then moved to approve the MOU and authorize the commissioner president to sign related documents. The motion passed by voice vote.

ARU said it will coordinate all medical and placement decisions with shelter manager Hollis Lampe and focus its funds on animals that can be rehabilitated and adopted, not on chronic cases that cannot safely be placed.