After decades at its Rockville location, the Montgomery County Humane Society is ready to move.
The organization became a privately funded nonprofit in 2014, after nearly 50 years of operating as a county agency, and has filed an application with the county Planning Department to redevelop the Aspin Hill Memorial Park site at Aspen Hill Road and Georgia Avenue into its new headquarters.
The cemetery would remain in place under the proposal, but would be upgraded with walking paths and a park. Included in plans are 13,000-square-feet of new construction that would include space for adoption, pet education and community services.
A lawyer for the society declined comment and referred questions to the group’s executive, who was not available.
The Humane Society is a “no-kill” rescue that pulls dogs and cats from overcrowded public shelters and prepares them for adoption.
The historic Aspin Hill Cemetery has the remains of more than 50,000 animals and is believed to be the second-oldest pet cemetery in the country, according to the Humane Society’s website. Its name comes from an English dog kennel, Aspin Hill, and its spelling differs from that of the Montgomery community.
A two-story building and dog kennel on site will be “fully rehabilitated” on the exterior with new roofing and windows and general cleaning.
The interior of the building will be renovated to serve as administrative offices for Humane Society staff and work will be done to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act access standards.
The kennel will be rehabilitated to house animals awaiting adoption. The two buildings will sit around an open courtyard with a covered colonnade linking the structures.
“The complex will be an inviting open space that celebrates an important part of the history of Montgomery County and will be open for a number of community events,” according to the development application.
Caitlynn Peetz can be reached at caitlynn.peetz@moco360.media
