Prince George’s County Animal Services Joins Two Major August Adoption Campaigns to Help Shelter Pets Find Loving Homes
Free Adoptions are Available all Month Through NBC4’s Clear the Shelters and Maryland’s Statewide Maryland 3,000 Challenge

By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Department of the Environment

LARGO, Md. (July 31, 2026)—August is the perfect time to welcome a new furry family member. The Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) is proud to participate in two of the nation’s largest pet adoption initiatives: NBC4’s Clear the Shelters campaign and Maryland’s statewide Maryland 3,000 Challenge, offering free pet adoptions throughout August.

Running from August 1 to August 31, these life-saving campaigns unite animal shelters across the country, including those in Maryland, with a shared goal: finding loving, permanent homes for thousands of shelter pets.

Since its launch in 2015, NBCUniversal Local’s Clear the Shelters campaign has helped nearly 1.2 million pets find homes while raising more than $5 million to support animal shelters and rescue organizations nationwide. At the same time, the Maryland 3,000 Challenge, coordinated by the Baltimore Animal Welfare Alliance (BAWA), brings together shelters across the state to place at least 3,000 homeless animals into loving homes during August. Last year, participating shelters exceeded that goal, demonstrating the incredible impact communities can make when they come together for animals in need.

Throughout August, adoption fees at ASFAC will be waived for eligible animals, making it easier than ever for families to adopt a new companion. While adoption fees are waived, all standard adoption procedures, counseling, and licensing requirements will remain in place to ensure every pet is matched with the right family.

“We’re excited to once again partner with NBC4’s Clear the Shelters campaign while also joining animal welfare organizations across Maryland for the Maryland 3,000 Challenge,” said David Fisher, Chief and Administrator of the Prince George’s County Animal Services Division. “These initiatives save lives by creating opportunities for more pets to find their forever home. Whether you’re looking for a playful puppy, a loyal senior dog, a curious cat, or a small companion animal like a rabbit or guinea pig, our team is here to help families find the perfect match.”

In addition to adopting, residents can support ASFAC in several ways throughout the campaign by:

• Fostering a shelter pet.

• Volunteering their time.

• Donating to support shelter programs.

• Sponsoring the care of homeless animals.

• Ensuring their own pets are properly tagged and microchipped.

Community members are also encouraged to attend ASFAC’s Drive-Up Pet Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to help keep pets healthy and protected.

Support doesn’t end with adoption. Through September 15, animal lovers can donate to ASFAC through the Clear the Shelters Fund, led by Greater Good Charities. Donations may be directed to the shelter’s general fund or designated to support local shelter operations, helping provide medical care, food, enrichment, and lifesaving services for animals awaiting adoption.

Virtual pet adoptions are also available through WeRescue, allowing prospective adopters to browse adoptable pets and submit applications online. Hill’s Pet Nutrition returns as the national sponsor of the Clear the Shelters campaign for the eighth consecutive year.

To view adoptable pets, learn about the adoption process, make a donation, or explore upcoming events, visit www.princegeorgespets4Us.com.

For more information about the statewide Maryland 3,000 Challenge, visit www.Maryland3000.org.

For information about NBC4’s Clear the Shelters campaign, participating shelters, and donation opportunities, visit ClearTheShelters.com.

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M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department Announces Opening of Fall Application Process for the Neighborhood Planning Academy
Fall 2026 Cohort will be Hosted in Virtual-only Format

By PRESS OFFICER
M-NCPPC

LARGO, Md. (August 6, 2026)—The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) announces that applications for the next Neighborhood Planning Academy are now open. The free, seven-week, virtual course supports residents, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and the business community in understanding how the development process works, how to better engage, and how to advocate for community goals and visions.

The Neighborhood Planning Academy offers a unique opportunity for community-minded individuals to learn about urban planning and actively shape the future of Prince George’s County. The curriculum covers essential topics in urban planning, community engagement, and sustainable development. The program also aims to empower residents to actively engage in planning and decision-making processes in their communities.

“Strong communities are built when residents have a voice in the decisions that affect where they live, work, and play,” said James Hunt, Acting Director of the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department. “The Neighborhood Planning Academy equips participants with practical planning knowledge and creates opportunities for meaningful engagement, helping to build informed community leaders across Prince George’s County.”

Applicants will be selected from each councilmanic district for geographic diversity. The fall cohort runs most Wednesdays from October 7, 2026—November 18, 2026, from 6:30—8:30 p.m. (except for one session on Tuesday, November 10 due to the Veterans Day holiday.) All classes will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams including the final session with capstone project presentations that highlight newly acquired skills and planning knowledge. The application deadline is August 31, 2026.

Since the launch of the program in the fall of 2023, the Neighborhood Planning Academy has hosted six cohorts and graduated approximately 300 Prince George’s County residents and stakeholders. Spaces are limited! To apply and learn more about the NPA program visit http://academy.pgplanning.com.

For any questions, please email PGCNPA@ppd.mncppc.org.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission encourages the participation of persons with disabilities in all its programs and services. To receive a disability accommodation, call the Public Affairs Office at 301-952-3038, email PublicAffairs@ppd.mncppc.org, or complete the online form.

The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is responsible for preserving, protecting, and managing the county’s resources through high-quality planning services and growth management guidance. Visit our website, www.pgplanning.org, to learn how you can become engaged in shaping the future of your community.

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