In 2017, rfa was retained to conduct a feasibility study for St. Mary's County in Maryland with respect to its animal welfare and sheltering, beginning with an analysis of the neighboring Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville. From this study came the decision to build a new 12,800 SF animal shelter dedicated to St. Mary's County with an additional K-9 unit and an equine/stable area, all designed by rfa. Delivered under a design-build model, the new animal shelter facility celebrated its grand opening in August of 2022.