For the month of August, adoption fees will be waived for all participating animal shelters and rescues across Maryland as part of the Maryland 3000 adoption challenge. 2024 has been a difficult year for animal shelters across the country, with most seeing a sharp increase in the number of animals entering shelters. Queen Anne’s County Animal Services is no exception, experiencing a 50% increase in their cat population from just one year ago. Campaigns such as the Maryland 3000 hope to encourage residents to adopt from their local shelters or rescue organizations.