Operation Pets Alive: The Volunteers Who Helped Change a Community
In 2010, Montgomery County's animal shelter faced a heartbreaking reality—overcrowded kennels, limited resources, and far too many healthy animals running out of time. Rather than accept the situation, a small group of determined volunteers led by Marcia Piotter founded Operation Pets Alive (OPA) with one ambitious goal: make Montgomery County a no-kill community. With so many stray cats and dogs in Montgomery County this was a tremendous undertaking. Their love for animals inspired them to save as many as they could and find them loving homes to take care of them.
They rescued animals from local shelters, recruited foster families, organized adoptions, sought donations, secured grants, partnered with veterinarians for affordable medical care, and championed low-cost spay and neuter programs. Their relentless dedication transformed animal welfare throughout the region.
Today, Montgomery County has achieved no-kill status, and OPA remains an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to protecting homeless animals through foster and adoption services, low-cost spay/neuter programs, transport to partner rescues in states with greater adoption demand, and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs that humanely reduce community cat populations.
The need, however, has not disappeared. So far in 2026, OPA has taken in 796 animals, completed 869 sterilizations, placed 338 animals through local adoptions and transport, and continues providing lifesaving medical care along the way.
The organization's greatest need is foster families. Every temporary home creates space to save another life. Whether you foster, adopt, volunteer, donate, or simply spay and neuter your own pets, every action makes a lasting difference.
Learn more, become a foster, adopt, or donate by visiting Operation Pets Alive: https://www.operationpetsalive.org. And if you're attending the 8th Annual Montgomery County Home Show on August 29–30, 2026, stop by the OPA booth to meet the volunteers—and perhaps your newest four-legged family member.