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Baltimore County leaders mark National Adopt the Shelter Pet Day and urge residents to adopt, volunteer
Summary
Baltimore County officials gathered at the county's Animal Services headquarters for National Adopt the Shelter Pet Day, urging adoptions and volunteers as the county's only open-admission shelter reported taking an average of 21 animals per day; adoption fees are waived through May 3.
Dr. Ross, an Animal Services staff member, welcomed attendees to Baltimore County Animal Services' headquarters and opened an event marking National Adopt the Shelter Pet Day, calling attention to the agency's work across the county and to upcoming adoption opportunities. "This is National Adopt the Shelter Pet Day," Dr. Ross said, urging residents to follow the shelter on Facebook and Instagram and to look for its officers at community events.
Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier told the gathering that the shelter cannot turn animals away. "Baltimore County Animal Services is the county's only open admission shelter," Klausmeier said, stressing the shelter's role and its need for public support. She said the animal services team has taken "an average of 21 animals per day" so far this year and encouraged residents to volunteer, foster or adopt.
Klausmeier announced adoption fees were waived from the day of the event through May 3 and said anyone who adopted that day would receive a free PetSmart gift card. She also noted that the shelter is open for adoptions daily from noon until 5 p.m., and invited attendees to join a short tour of the facility.
Dr. Lucy Wilson, the county health officer, echoed calls for volunteers and described other ways to help beyond adoption. "We're always looking for volunteers," Wilson said, listing tasks such as walking, feeding and socializing animals and mentioning the shelter's overnight "sleepover squad" program as an option for short-term support.
Councilman Izzi Patoka offered a personal endorsement. "So I'd encourage everyone to adopt a pet," Patoka said, describing how visiting the puppies on-site had brightened a stressful day on the campaign trail and urging residents to consider adding a pet when they can responsibly commit to care.
The event included remarks encouraging volunteering and fostering, promotion of upcoming community clinics and adoption events, and a shelter tour. Dr. Wilson thanked shelter leadership in her remarks, referencing "Dr. Varela and his team," a name mentioned during the event; the transcript also records speakers addressing "Dr. Ross" as the host earlier in the program. The gathering concluded with the host thanking speakers and attendees for their participation.
Procedure note: The transcript does not specify the calendar date of the event; statements about intake ("average of 21 animals per day") and the fee waiver (through May 3) were reported by speakers during the program.
