With a new mobile adoption van, Cumberland County Animal Services is ready to travel throughout the county to encourage pet adoption.

The department received a custom van designed by the manufacturing company Summit Bodyworks to be a Mobile Adoption Center (MAC) for pets. The vehicle can house up to 21 dogs or cats, depending on their size, to off-site adoption events where potential adopters can walk through the mobile center and see the available animals. In most cases, the pets will be able to go to their new home the same day.

“The overall goal is having more pets adopted. We’re just thrilled because this is a great way to safely and securely transport the animals. It’s more comfortable for our staff. It’s also heated and air-conditioned,” said Cumberland County Animal Services Director Elaine Smith.

The van was funded through a grant program from the Stanton Foundation, which supports municipal shelters nationwide in their efforts to adopt more dogs. The van features a colorful exterior graphics package designed by County staff to help promote pet adoption and the County’s Animal Shelter.

The van will also assist during special circumstances, such as disaster evacuations, large animal cruelty cases and in partnering with other agencies in transporting animals to rescues in other areas to free up shelter space.

Due to COVID-19, most public events are on hold and there are currently no scheduled events for the department. Event organizers who are interested in including the Mobile Adoption Center in the future can email   to request to be placed on the department’s calendar.