Right now across Maryland, animal shelters are overflowing—and the reason isn’t a lack of love, it’s a lack of support. Families are being forced to give up beloved pets because of rising costs, inflation, and housing insecurity. Shelters are beyond capacity, staff are stretched thin, and animals who once had homes now sit in crowded kennels, waiting. 

No one should have to choose between feeding their family and keeping their pet—but that’s the heartbreaking reality for too many Marylanders.

We’re calling on state and local officials to act now by releasing emergency funding for Maryland’s animal shelters. This funding would support vital services like food, medical care, temporary pet assistance for struggling families, and expanded space to safely house surrendered animals. Without urgent intervention, shelters will be forced to make impossible choices no one wants to face.

This is not just an animal welfare issue—it's a community issue. Our shelters are doing everything they can, but they cannot face this crisis alone.

By providing emergency relief, Maryland can help keep families together, support shelter staff and volunteers, and ensure no animal is left behind simply because their family couldn’t afford to keep them.

We urge Governor Wes Moore, the Maryland General Assembly, and local county governments to prioritize this crisis. Emergency funding must be released to help shelters stay open, save lives, and provide dignity to pets and people alike.

Please sign this petition if you believe animals deserve better—and so do the people who love them. Together, we can give Maryland’s shelters and families a fighting chance.