Dogs/Cats

Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter

Baltimore, MD 21225

About

BARCS is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization operating Maryland’s largest animal shelter and pet adoption center. We are an open admission shelter, granting refuge to every abandoned, neglected, abused, lost or surrendered animal that comes through our door. A staggering 30 or more animals are surrendered to BARCS every day. No matter what the circumstance, we do not turn away any animal in need of shelter, food, medical care and a loving touch. Yearly, this equates to more than 10,000 dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, and even wildlife and exotic animals that need care and placement. Each year, BARCS is growing, evolving and working to implement new innovative programs that benefit animals in need and the neighborhoods that support them.

Pets available

Dogs Cats

Adoption process

Appointments are required for all visitors, including adoptions, surrenders, volunteers and fosters. Adopters are asked to please fill out our adoption application with the name of the animal you are interested in meeting prior to your appointment. Applications must be approved before your appointment. Please email us if you need assistance with your online application. Please keep in mind adoption classes may be held outside. For assistance with this process, please email info@barcs.org or call 410-396-4695. We encourage all members of the household to partake in the adoption selection process. The chosen animal will have a more enriched life joining a family where all members are comfortable, excited and onboard. All adopters are required to meet with a BARCS Adoption Counselor, the same day, to discuss any known history about the animal, review the adoption contract, discuss basic animal care and acclimation to a new home environment, and answer any questions. The BARCS Adoption Counselors meet with adopters at various times throughout the day. If the animal you select to adopt is already spayed/neutered, it may go home that day. If the animal still needs to be spayed or neutered, the new owner will pick up the animal, after surgery. The adopter may visit the animal at the shelter during normal visitor hours prior to the surgery. The animal remains the property of BARCS until it is in the owner’s possession. Adoptions at BARCS are first come, first served.