Caroline County Humane Society cites 90%+ live-release rate, asks for space and mobile clinic funding

Stephanie Flower, director of the Caroline County Humane Society, told the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 3 that the shelter’s live-release rate exceeded 90% last year and that recent operational changes have reduced cat intakes and improved staffing stability.

Flower described the society’s community programs — a pet pantry with extended hours, a trap–neuter–return program, and low-cost spay/neuter services — and said the organization is striving to become a wider community resource rather than only a shelter for homeless animals. "For 2025, our live release rate is over 90 percent," Flower said.

She asked the county to consider two capital requests: converting part of an on-site warehouse into indoor meet-and-greet space (cost cited as $10,500) and purchasing a mobile spay-and-neuter clinic (estimated at $150,000). Flower said the shelter would likely buy a used unit to reduce cost, retain surgery equipment included with the vehicle, and contract with a veterinarian while using an in-house medical care supervisor to run services.

Commissioners expressed support for the shelter’s mission but emphasized constrained county revenues and competing priorities. One commissioner said the board supports the Humane Society’s work but noted limited funding capacity and urged Flower to present cost-benefit materials during the budget process. Flower agreed to prepare budget-level information and participate in a budget roundtable so commissioners can evaluate potential payback from reduced intake and public-cost savings.

The board did not commit funding at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to consider the requests during the FY 2027 budget cycle and encouraged the Humane Society to prepare materials quantifying costs and projected service impacts.