Howard County Animal Control / Shelter

Animal Advocates of Howard County is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preventing the suffering of animals in our area. Although we focus primarily on the plight of homeless pets, we are also interested in animal health, safety, and environmental issues, and promote activities which strengthen the human-animal bond. We are actively involved in legislative issues regarding animal cruelty, and also those which affect wildlife. We believe that the way animals are treated is a reflection of the quality of our society. Hundreds of members, volunteers, and supporters share in this belief and have helped us become the strongest and most respected animal welfare group in the area.

We promote the adoption of pets from Howard County Animal Control ("The Shelter"). Our volunteers help to place given-up and unclaimed stray cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, and occasional reptiles into permanent homes. We do this by working in kennels and cages at the shelter exercising, socializing and showing animals to potential adopters, taking photos of the animals and delivering them on picture boards to over 90 locations in the area, and posting them on our website.

We work extensively with dozens of species, breed, and wildlife rescue groups, including our own sister organization Tails of Hope, all of which pull animals in trouble from local shelters. We provide financial, volunteer, and administrative support to these groups, and secure temporary shelter to save countless animals each year.

We provide free spay/neuter services to income-eligible residents, and provide information regarding reduced cost services to all others. We even provide pet transportation when necessary. Our progressive program has been nationally recognized. An unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce over 420,000 additional cats in only 7 years, and an unspayed female dog and her offspring 67,000 additional dogs in 6 years. No wonder over 12 million pets are killed in our nation's shelters every year! Howard County, like most other shelter facilities, has a very small shelter and a relatively low budget for unwanted animals, and cannot afford to dedicate space and funds to animals whose birth was easily preventable.

We participate in many humane education programs for young people of all ages in schools and through other organizations. Last year, our volunteers spoke to approximately 3000 children about responsible pet care. We realize that kids have a natural empathy for animals, and by encouraging, supporting, and expanding on this interest during their early years, we can build a better future for animals, one in which all living creatures are treated with the respect they deserve.

Our educational efforts include adults as well. We offer pet selection and training advice, and professional resources for behavioral problems. We also help the public understand difficult issues such as puppy mills, so-called no-kill shelters, and humane alternatives to dealing with feral cats and wildlife.

We are recognized by several national organizations as the local affiliate when action is needed for animal welfare issues. We are a member of the Maryland Link Coalition, an organization of social and law enforcement agencies which understands that violence toward animals, spouses, and children are closely connected.

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