WASHINGTON — A dozen or so pet seekers crowded the front counter at an animal shelter in Maryland’s Montgomery County on a recent Saturday. A few feet away, a woman lingered in front of a photo of a rabbit. Over in the dog kennels, a little girl pointed out a puppy to her father.

But no one asked about Hanz, the orange and white rooster that was pecking at feed in an outdoor kennel in the back. He didn’t even have a name card on his cage. And unlike the schnauzer inside, he had no sign that read, ‘‘Adopt me! I’m cute!’’