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Emergency Plan for Talbot County Pet Owners Talbot County pet owners now have a safe haven if an emergency requires then to leave their homes. Easton High School has been determined as the location for the Talbot Animal Disaster Services Shelter or TADS. "Hurricane Katrina really made the entire country take notice- you cannot expect animal lovers to leave their pets behind," states Patty Quimby, Talbot Humane's Shelter Coordinator. With hard work from members of Talbot Humane and the Talbot Kennel Club, the plan, one of the first of it's kind in Maryland, was created in order to serve pet owners of Talbot County in the event of an emergency. Many of us think "It won't happen to me." The fact is, an emergency or disaster could occur at any time, and it does not necessarily have to be a weather event. No one is exempt from the possibility of being affected. You need to be prepared for yourself and for your pets in case of an emergency! Talbot Humane urges all pet owners to plan ahead "Using an emergency shelter should be a last resort, especially if traveling with pets-lets face it, a shelter is not a luxury retreat! "The TADS shelter is only for the pets of people residing in the county shelter, " states Quimby. "Having a list of pet friendly hotels, boarding facilities, or friends or family out of the area that you could call upon in case of an evacuation is best, and will cause less stress for you and your pets." Assemble a Portable Pet Kit. Whether staying with friends or family or staying in a shelter, for a day or a week, you will need supplies to care for your pet(s). Your kit should be stored in an accessible area and in sturdy containers. Here is a list of necessary items in your kit: Medications, a copy of each pet's medical records, including your veterinarian's address and telephone number, sturdy leashes and collars, carriers and crates, a current photo of each pet (in case he/she gets lost), food, potable water, food bowls, kitty litter/pan, can opener, sheets, towels and pet toys. Being prepared will enable you to evacuate quickly and safely as well as make a stressful situation more bearable for you and your pets. More information on emergency preparedness and animals can be found at www.hsus.org, www.americanhumane.org, www.redcross.org, and www.akc.org/newsdisaster_preparedness/ Report a Lost Dog or Cat
Talbot Humane is the place to look when your pet is lost or to take an animal that you have found. Call the shelter at 410-822-0107 if you need assistance.
Now you can report online a lost dog or cat. If you have a photo of your pet, please attach that to your report. We provide other links for reporting lost pets too.
Report a Nuisance or Problem
Calls for services can be made via phone, e-mail, or fax. All complainants are kept confidential. We respond to all calls for cruelty or neglect and confined strays the day they are received. Other calls for services are prioritized and responded to as soon as possible.
Surrendering an Animal
Making the decision to surrender a pet to a shelter is never easy. Calling ahead to make an appointment for surrender will help our staff and volunteers better attend to the needs of you and your pet. When you bring your pet, please bring copies of all medical records as well as any favorite toys or food. Photo ID is required at the time of relinquishment. While we are an open admission shelter, turning no animal away, if you live outside of Talbot County, we ask you to use your county's services. Pet Microchipping
Talbot Humane has partnered with HomeAgain microchips to help Maryland families reunite with their lost pets. When a pet enrolled in the new program is lost, veterinary offices, animal shelters and volunteer Pet Rescuers located within 25 miles of where the pet was lost are called immediately. The services works even when traveling with your pet. For more information or to schedule an appointment to have your pet microchipped, call 410-822-0107. Pet Licensing
Dog and cat licenses are issued on an annual basis by Talbot Humane in accordance with Talbot County's ordinance. All dogs and cats over 4 months of age must be licensed. For your convenience, you may print out and complete the pet license and bring or mail directly to the shelter at Talbot Humane, PO Box 1143, Easton, MD 21601. Please include the appropriate fee(s) with your application. Animal Control for Talbot County
You may access the complete code for Animal Control at on the web at http://www.talbotcountymd.gov. Then click on Talbot County Code; scroll down to Maryland and click on Talbot County; type in animals, and click go. Select Chapter 15: ANIMALS. Wildlife
We offer humane advice and recommendations for dealing with nuisance wildlife. We can refer you to a licensed rehabilitator if you have found injured wildlife. Talbot Humane will respond to calls for injured wildlife during regular business hours. Guidelines for Proper Animal Care
Talbot Humane promotes the keeping of dogs and cats as indoor companion animals. When the animal lives inside the home, pet owners can easily provide proper care. If you choose to keep your animal outside, special attention must be made to insure the animal receives adequate socialization and exercise. The following is a summary of the guidelines we recommend in order to be in compliance with Maryland’s anti-cruelty laws. Care Guidelines You must provide nutritious food in sufficient quantity in order to maintain the animal in good weight. All animals must have free access to fresh water in a container positioned to prevent spills. All animals shall be able to stand to their full height, stretch out, turn around, lie down, and make normal postural adjustments comfortably. Animals shall be allowed to exercise daily. Space available to the animal must be useable and kept clean. All animals shall have sufficiently lighted areas. All animals kept outdoors shall have access to shelter that provides protection from the weather as well as shade during hot weather. The shelter shall be well constructed and appropriate for the species, with consideration given to the animal’s age, physical condition, and hair coat when determining whether available shelter is proper. Animals shall receive immediate veterinary care if they are known or suspected to have suffered an injury and they exhibit signs of trauma or distress. Animals shall receive immediate veterinary care if they are debilitated, weakened, or exhibit symptoms of bloat or other life-threatening illness. An animal exhibiting signs of disease or severe parasitic infestation over a period of 48 hours or more shall be afforded veterinary care within the next 48 hours. Internal and external parasites shall be controlled.
Unnecessary Suffering: No animal shall be subjected to unnecessary suffering which may be caused by deficiencies in the areas listed above. Dogs must be socialized and shall not be maintained in isolation or deprived of daily social interaction. Hoof, claw, nail, tooth and beak care shall be provided to maintain health and comfort of the particular species. Collars, harnesses, halters, and the like shall be monitored so as to assure proper fit and prevent discomfort or injury.
Proper Space Requirements for Dogs:
The following space standards below may not be sufficient for certain dogs and should be increased if necessary.
Dogs in Pens:
The size of a pen is determined by the size and number of dogs housed therein. Dogs housed
together must be socially compatible. Minimum space for one dog in a pen--not including
shelter space--shall be as follows | Small (to 25 lbs.) | Medium (25-50 lbs.) | Large (over 50 lbs.) | | 32 sq. ft. | 80 sq. ft. | 100 sq. ft. |
*Please call us for guidelines for multiple dogs kept in pens Dogs on Tethers: Improper Confinement
The continuous confinement of a dog on a chain, rope or other kind of tether is abnormally restrictive and stressful and often results in health and temperament problems. Tethers used for brief periods of time must be at least 15 ft. in length and positioned to prevent tangling. Further, they should not be of such a weight as to cause overloading or undue stress on the animal.
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Animal Rescue
