The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) at 7315 Muncaster Mill Rd. in Derwood fully restored its air conditioning a day after a mechanical failure caused rising temperatures inside its near-capacity facility. During the issue, MCASAC put out a call seeking short-term foster homes for pets and the response was remarkable.
The response far exceeded all expectations. “We put out a call for help, and you answered in ways we never could have imagined,” the organization expressed. Emergency fosters stepped forward in droves, offering safe havens for pets to stay cool and comfortable amidst the crisis. On Monday evening alone, over 40 dogs found temporary homes, along with the majority of cats and small animals, with dozens more adopted into caring environments the following day. At its peak, the line of compassionate community members extended from the building’s door well into the parking lot– a vivid display of solidarity and love for the animals.
In addition to providing homes, many supporters donated practical items such as cooling mats and fans, while flooding the organization with messages of hope and assistance. Multiple phone calls, messages, and emails poured in, each note of kindness a reminder of the strong community bond that unites those who care for animals. “Incredible” hardly begins to describe the overwhelming presence of support– the experience was described as not only overwhelming but also humbling and beautiful.
MCASAC staff, though just a small team managing hundreds of messages and countless calls over three days, have been working tirelessly to express their gratitude. Every message, comment, and call has not gone unnoticed, and while the flood of communications means that a response to each one might be delayed, the agency is deeply appreciative of every gesture of support.
At the conclusion of this crisis, MCASAC reassured the community: all animals are safe, cared for, and cool, thanks to the extraordinary human kindness that flowed in when it was most needed. The heartfelt acknowledgment from MCASAC reflects a profound connection between the agency and the people it serves– a reminder that through cooperation and compassion, even the most daunting challenges can be met with grace and unity. The full message can be seen below:
We put out a call for help, and you answered in ways we never could have imagined.
While we worked urgently to repair critical building issues, we asked for emergency fosters to keep our animals safe and cool. We hoped for support. We knew this community would show up—for us, and for the animals.
But this? This response has left us speechless. How do we even begin to express our gratitude for each and every one of you?
On Monday evening alone, over 40 dogs left the building, along with the majority of our cats and small animals. Dozens more were picked up the following day. At one point, the line of people who showed up to help stretched out the door and into the parking lot. Those who couldn’t foster donated cooling mats and fans, flooded our inboxes with offers to help, and shared our posts far and wide.
“Incredible” doesn’t even begin to cover it. It was overwhelming. It was humbling. It was beautiful.
That said—if we haven’t had the chance to respond to your message, comment, call, or offer to help, this is why. Please know that it’s not because we don’t see you… We do. We feel your love in every ringing phone, every ping of a message, every name in our inbox.
We have more than 150 foster emails, countless DMs to sort through, and a phone line that has been busy for 3 days… and just a handful of staff to manage it all.
Please know your kindness has not gone unnoticed. We’re doing our best to respond to everyone as quickly as we can.
In the meantime: All animals are safe, cared for, and cool… thanks to YOU. ❤️
To learn more about MCASAC, please visit: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/