Adoptions
Adoption Hours Adoption hours are: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shelter is closed for pet adoptions on Monday and Tuesday.
View adoptable pets at the Animal Shelter. To adopt a pet, you must present a photo identification card and be at least 18 years old. A background check will be conducted on prospective adopters to ensure that pets are going to responsible homes. A $20 deposit (cash, check and credit cards are accepted) is required if the pet hasn’t completed its stray-hold period (four days). The total adoption fee is $65 for dogs and $50 for cats. This fee includes:
- A spayed or neutered pet (dog, puppy, cat or kitten)
- Rabies shot
- License (required by Baltimore County law)
- First series of vaccinations
- Microchip with lifetime registry
- Welcome Home kit
Learn more about adopting a pet (PDF) from a County animal shelter.
Dead Animal Pick-Up
Animal Services personnel picks up dead animals on County maintained roads, deceased pets and dead animals on private property when it is safe and accessible to do so. This service does not include dead livestock or farm animals.
For small animals, residents are encouraged to wear gloves to double or triple bag the carcass, then dispose of it in the trash and thoroughly wash hands.
For additional information or to request dead animal pick up service, contact Animal Services by calling 410-887-PAWS (7297) or submit an online complaint.
Please be advised that the Maryland Highway Administration picks up dead animals on State numbered routes. Request dead animal service on a State road by calling 410-780-2790.
Licensing
All dogs and cats four months of age or older and kept in Baltimore County for longer than 30 days per year must be licensed annually. The license period is July 1 through June 30 each year. You must renew your license each year by July 31 to avoid penalty fees.
Find detailed information including associated fees, required documents and how to apply for an animal license for your pet.
Permits
Apply for an annual permit for your public or private animal kennel, pet shop, grooming parlor or riding and boarding stable throughPermits, Approvals and Inspections.
Lost Pets
- Lost your pet in Baltimore County? Send an email to ilostmypet@baltimorecountymd.gov for assistance or call Animal Services for the best times to visit the shelter.
- View lost cats and dogs that were turned into the Animal Shelter or picked up as a stray animal. Remember, licensing, tagging and micro-chipping your pets increases the chances of them being returned to you should they become lost.
- If you lose your pet or find one, the Lost Pet Brochure (PDF) provides steps on what to do and how to protect your pet from becoming lost.
Public Spay and Neuter Services
Baltimore County residents can pay just $65 for dogs and $50 for cats to be spayed or neutered at the Baltimore County Animal Shelter. Download and complete the Animal Services Spay and Neuter application (PDF). The fee includes: a license, rabies immunization and microchip. Discounts are available if your pet already has a license or was microchipped by Baltimore County Animal Services. Cash, credit cards and checks are accepted.
To schedule an appointment, call 410-887-PAWS (7297) or send an email to spayneuter@baltimorecountymd.gov for assistance.
Rabies Vaccination & Micro-chipping Clinics
Rabies clinics are held weekly at the Animal Shelter. Call 410-887-PAWS (7297) to schedule an appointment. The cost for rabies vaccinations is $8.
- Rabies vaccinations and licenses are required for all cats and dogs over four months of age.
- You must provide proof of a current rabies vaccination in order to purchase a license.
Micro-chipping is available during Animal Shelter visiting hours. No appointment is necessary, but please call ahead. Micro-chipping is a painless process that provides a permanent tracking system for lost pets.
- The cost for micro-chipping is $25 per pet. The fee includes lifetime enrollment in a national 24-hour lost pet registry.
- Note: micro-chipping is not a substitute for animal licensing, but provides a permanent form of identification that cannot be lost, wear out or damaged.
Volunteer Opportunities
Baltimore County residents are invited to volunteer at the shelter. To learn more about current volunteer opportunities, go thevolunteer page and type “Baltimore County Animal Shelter” into the keyword search box.
