Prince George's County adoption day boosts shelter outreach, encourages fostering

A community adoption day at the Prince George's County Animal Services Facility & Adoption Center drew local residents to Upper Marlboro on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, offering dogs and cats for adoption and fostering. The event, held at 3750 Brown Station Rd, invited people to meet animals in person and asked adopters and prospective fosters to arrive by 3 p.m. to complete the process.

The county-run facility organizes these outreach events to connect pets with homes and to reduce shelter crowding. For residents, adoption days represent a straightforward way to gain a companion animal while helping the county manage shelter capacity and operating costs. Adoptions and foster placements can shorten stays for animals, lowering per-animal care expenses for food, medical attention, and staffing needs that are borne by municipal budgets.

Beyond immediate cost effects, adoption and foster programs have broader public finance implications. When more animals leave the shelter into homes or foster care, the county can reduce intake pressure, potentially cutting overtime for animal services staff and lowering reliance on contracted boarding. For taxpayers, that means more efficient use of the animal services budget and better allocation of resources across county programs.

The event also advances community health and safety goals. Placing animals in homes reduces the stray population and the public-safety risks associated with loose animals. Foster programs give vulnerable animals a calmer environment for recovery or socialization, improving their long-term adoption prospects and reducing repeat intake rates.

The adoption day is part of the county’s ongoing outreach to connect residents with pets and volunteer opportunities. Residents who missed Jan. 10 are encouraged to contact the Prince George's County adoption center for information on current adoption hours, foster needs, and upcoming events. The facility accepts both adoption and foster inquiries at its Upper Marlboro location, where county staff coordinate placements and support new caregivers.

For families weighing the costs and responsibilities of pet ownership, foster programs can be a low-commitment way to help animals and learn about pet care before adopting. Local veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and animal-welfare volunteers often partner with the county to provide discounted services and support for new adopters and fosters, stretching household budgets when adding a pet.

Our two cents? If you’re considering a pet, stop by the county facility or call ahead to learn about available animals and foster needs—arriving early improves your chances of finding the right match and helps the shelter move more animals into homes.