SMAWL rescues and adopts homeless animals, issues spay and neuter vouchers to the public, and promotes humane education.

The St. Mary's Animal Welfare League is a nonprofit, rescue organization that specializes in the rescue, care and placement of abused, neglected and homeless companion animals.

St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League (SMAWL) is a nonprofit organization based in southern Maryland, about an hour outside of Washington, D.C. SMAWL is dedicated to the rescue, care, and placement of abused, neglected, and homeless companion animals in St. Mary’s county and the surrounding areas. Originally founded in 1990 by four volunteers, SMAWL continues to operate under the heartfelt dedication of volunteers and a governing Board of Directors. In response to growing community need, SMAWL has expanded its mission beyond animal rescue to include animal welfare, community education and legislative advocacy as part of its services, giving the animals of St. Mary’s County the voice they so desperately need. Currently, the organization relies upon volunteer foster families to shelter adoptable animals, with long-term plans of opening a permanent shelter and headquarters to better serve the community.