The Prince George’s County animal shelter in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, has launched its first major renovation in 17 years, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Friday.
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The $1.7 million upgrade enhances the Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center, introducing new housing for cats, upgraded interaction rooms, 14 additional dog kennels, and improved safety features along with new flooring.
Innovative sanitation equipment, including a pressure washer and a decorative ride-on floor scrubber known as Lord Buffington, contributes to the facility's cleanliness despite the high number of animals.
David Fisher, chief and administrator of the county’s Animal Services Division, noted that the shelter took in 9,338 animals in 2025 and anticipates an even higher number this year. He highlighted that in July alone, there were 600 dogs present, far exceeding the facility's capacity of 184 kennels.
During the ceremony, Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy, who identified herself as a “dog mom,” expressed her appreciation for the love that animals bring into people's lives and acknowledged the dedication of shelter staff and volunteers.
Volunteer Marsha Dabolt shared her emotional experience, recalling that Braveboy was the first county executive to visit the shelter.
The renovations included a break room and an enclosed outdoor space for staff and volunteers, who continued their work with the animals during construction without impacting capacity. The next stage of the $3.1 million project will introduce a medical treatment area, an operating room, and diagnostic equipment, facilitating on-site surgeries that currently require travel of up to an hour.
Additionally, the county plans to hire its first full-time veterinarian, a move Fisher described as crucial for comprehensive care.
The second phase of renovations is projected to be completed in six to eight months, with aspirations of achieving no-kill status for the shelter, which currently has a save rate in the mid-80% range. Fisher encouraged the public to visit the facility and consider adopting, highlighting the quality of care provided to the animals.