When a person or family deals with economic hardships, household pets can suffer. Here at MCPAW, we are committed to ensuring no pet goes hungry in Montgomery County. As a part of the Pet Food Pantry, we actively accept donations of pet food and make it available to residents in need. While MCASAC is open for appointments only, residents can leave pet food donations in the bins outside the door. Since June MCPAW has been partnering with MCASAC for a weekly petfood distribution on Saturdays from 9-10:30 am ET at the Shrine of St. Judes, 12701 Viers Mill Road, Rockville, MD. Any resident who needs petfood can come by. We serve approximately 100 residents per week! 

Check our NEWS & EVENTS page for updates on other MCPAW Pet Food Panty dates and locations, or follow us on social media.

MCPAW provides shelter animals in Montgomery County with necessary amenities to counter the effects of kennel stress and to help maintain the physical and emotional well-being of resident animals while they wait to be adopted, including:

• Long-lasting chews for daily distribution to dogs to provide mental and physical stimulation;

• Cat scratchers for cat cages to provide an outlet for stretching and scratching;

• Kool Kurtains for outdoor runs to provide shade and protection from the elements;

• Privacy slats for outdoor runs to reduce dog anxiety;

• Fencing for outdoor dog play areas to allow for socialization and exercise;

• Calming aids to provide comfort to the animals; and

• Behavior and training aids to enhance adoptability.

Through our Veterinary Medical Fund, MCPAW provides the funds necessary for adoptable animals that need specialized life-saving veterinary treatment, such as surgery, that cannot be covered by a shelter’s budget, offers veterinary treatment for pets that are suffering from pre-existing conditions known at the time of adoption, and for residents of the county financial hardships with pets in need of care to ease pain and suffering.

We believe that education about animal welfare should start at an early age.  MCPAW Education & Outreach searches for ways to target younger age groups and instill in them a love for animals and a sense of responsibility to treat them humanely.  Some of our youth-related educational activities include speaking to children in local elementary schools and training on the proper care and treatment of animals. 

Some dogs and cats at shelters are known to have abnormal medical conditions that are not life threatening, but may likely require medical treatment soon after being adopted. Fortunately, there are pet adopters in the county who are willing to open their homes and hearts to these special needs animals, and just need some extra help with the cost of treating their new pet that has a pre-existing abnormal condition.

The MCPAW Speical Companion Medical Grant for Special Needs Dogs and Cats provides financial assistance up to $500 for Montgomery County residents who have adopted a dog or cat from MCASAC having a pre-existing abnormal medical condition. The grant award will be payable to the licensed veterinarian providing treatment to the adopted pet for the pre-existing condition.

Amber Care is a special program to encourage adoption of special needs dogs over age 7.  The adoption fees are waived.

Purple Care is a special program to encourage adoption of special needs cats over age 7.  The adoption fees are waived.