County Animal Shelter

240.773.5960

14645 Rothgeb Drive

Rockville, MD 20850

Hours to Visit

With the Animals

Mon, Tues Thurs, Fri:

noon-7pm

Closed Wednesdays

Sat & Sun: noon-5pm

Business Hours and Looking For Lost Pets

Mon, Tues Thurs, Fri:

10am-7pm

Closed Wednesdays

Sat & Sun: 10am-5pm

Directions

The MCHS

Foster Program's

Adoption Process

We are delighted that you are considering adopting a pet. The process for adoption through our foster program is different from the County Animal Shelter adoptions. The following will give you a general idea of the adoption process.

Before you visit, view some of the animals online that are available for adoption. We care for a variety of companion animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds.

Ideally, the entire adoption process is completed within one week, depending on how many applicants have filed on the animal and the availability of the animal.

You are now on your way to finding a new friend!

Make arrangements with the foster parent for a visit with the pet you are interested in adopting.

Fill out an adoption application. The more information you can provide on the application, the quicker the process.

Please make sure that you bring your driver’s license or other form of ID with you, as well as your landlord and veterinarian's numbers, if applicable. 

All family members must visit with the animal within 24 hours of filling out the application. The application cannot be processed until this is done and we have received the landlord’s permission.

Once this process has been completed, your application will be assigned to one of our adoption counselors. This counselor will contact you to arrange an interview, answer any questions and discuss ways to make this adoption a smoother transition for both you and your pet.

The counselor will offer vital information such as: how to introduce your new pet to your current pet(s), how to receive help with illness, if necessary, and the importance of monitoring children with your new pet.

We try to assign all applications within 48 hours of the time that the animal becomes available. The adoption process may take longer if the animal you have selected has a previous application that must be processed.

Please do not be discouraged to apply on an animal that already has an application. It is commonplace for applications to be withdrawn and as a result, your application could become the first one on the animal.

If you are approved and your contract is signed, you will need to contact the foster parent to make arrangements to take your new friend home.