The Animal Care Shelter for Kent County serves the Eastern Shore and beyond by rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. We promote compassion and responsibility through education, advocacy, and affordable services.

As Kent County’s only open-admission shelter, we care for hundreds of animals each year—including cats, dogs, and small mammals—providing medical attention, food, and love until they’re adopted. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to saving lives without euthanizing for breed, space or time.

Founded in 1962 as the Humane Society of Kent County, our original shelter served thousands of animals in a modest facility outside Chestertown. Decades later, the growing need for a modern, health-focused space led to the creation of a new, purpose-built shelter on five acres, completed in 2022.

Adoptions

Interested in meeting one of our available pets? You can submit an adoption application through our website or stop by the shelter during open hours to fill one out in person. You must be at least 18 years old to adopt.

Our team reviews applications to ensure the animal is a good match, confirm landlord approval when applicable, and verify that current pets are up to date on vaccinations. Unspayed or unneutered pets in the home are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Approval can take anywhere from a few minutes to two days. If you have not heard from us within 48 hours, please call the shelter to check your application’s status.

Once approved, we’ll help you meet the pet you’re interested in. If it’s a good fit, you may be able to take your new pet home that day—or we can introduce you to other available pets. Submitting an application does not commit you to adopting, and approved applications remain on file for 90 days.

Please bring a valid ID and adoption payment. Dog adopters should bring a leash and collar, while cat adopters should bring a carrier. We also encourage the whole family to participate in the meet-and-greet.

Adoption fees vary by animal and are listed in each pet’s bio.

Interested in meeting one of our available pets? You can submit an adoption application through our website, or stop by the shelter during open hours to fill one out in person. Once your application has been reviewed, our team will help you meet the pet you’re interested in.

Submitting an application does not commit you to adopting—it simply helps us learn more about you and find the right match.