# 11/4/2026 Animal Control Advisory Board


**Body:** St. Mary's County Government
**Date:** November 03, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Healthcare, Construction & Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding


The St. Mary’s County Animal Control Advisory Board met on November 4, 2026. The board approved the September 2 minutes and 2027 meeting dates. The shelter reported 664 animal intakes and 702 outcomes for September–October, and described support programs associated with fewer owner-surrendered dogs. No contract awards, bids, or procurement approvals were made. Members discussed establishing in-house veterinary surgery: facility modifications are needed to divide a room, add plumbing, reinforce the ceiling for a surgery light, and install cleanable wall panels. There is no timeline yet; staff are seeking a Public Works estimate and will need to identify funding. Required equipment is estimated at more than $25,000, with the shelter expected to purchase maintenance-intensive items such as anesthesia equipment and an autoclave, while ARU may fund the light, cabinets, holding pens, and other equipment. A dental station, estimated to add at least $8,000, was identified as a later priority. The county has medical-budget funds planned for equipment, and staff are exploring Maryland Department of Agriculture grants for owned-pet assistance and feral-cat spay/neuter services.

The board also discussed FY2028 budget planning, which was already underway: initial needs include potential staffing, vehicles, and IT, followed by operating-budget requests. Members plan to discuss budget input at the next meeting, while staff noted the county’s submission timeline may precede it. Separately, ARU and community partners are providing materials for two goat run-in shelters, including donations from Lowe’s, Dyson, and Tractor Supply. The board simplified its ordinance-review process to designated members rather than a committee. No spending motion or budget allocation was approved at this meeting.

**Source:** St. Mary's County Government