Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is a private, non-profit organization that serves Baltimore and the surrounding area. As an open-admission shelter, BARCS grants refuge to every abandoned, lost, neglected, abused, or owner-surrendered animal that comes to their door. Every day a staggering 30 or more animals are taken in to be given shelter, love, and the medical care they require. They're Maryland’s largest animal shelter and adoption center, taking in over 12,000 dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, and even some wild and exotic species every year.
BARCS' dedicated team of around 70 employees works hard to ensure these precious creatures are given the best care and chance to find a new, loving forever home. At any one time, there can be as many as 250 animals being cared for at their shelter. An additional 200-600 animals are also in temporary foster homes while they wait to be permanently placed. BARCS cats who are ready for adoption are also placed at partnered pet stores in the Greater Baltimore Area. The full list of adoption centers are as follows:
When you adopt a pet from BARCS, you aren't just saving just one life, but two, by creating a space for another animal to be taken in. By choosing adoption, you choose to love and to become part of the solution, not the problem.
All adoptions at BARCS operate on a first-come, first-served basis. An appointment can be made to visit the center by emailing or calling in advance. It's also possible to visit during opening hours without an appointment. All animals available for adoption are listed on the website.
To be eligible to adopt, you must be 18 years old or older, provide proof of address, and have a valid photo ID.
All potential adopters must complete an application form online or at the shelter and spend time interacting with the animals they're interested in adopting. Once you find a pet that steals your heart, you'll be paired with an Adoption Counselor, who takes you through the rest of the process. The animal’s history, behavior,and needs (as well as your own) will be discussed to make sure that the purrfect match is found!
The shelter encourages you to bring all members of your household to engage in the adoption process, including other pets.
If your new furry friend is already spayed/neutered, they can go home with you on the same day. If they still need to be sterilized, you can collect them after surgery a few days later.
Adoption fees at BARCS Animal Shelter are as follows:
Your adoption fee covers spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, flea and parasite treatments, microchipping, your pet license fee for Baltimore residents, a starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet food, and unlimited complimentary certified training classes and private consultations for the entire lifetime of your new pet!
Our writing team is hard at work researching this shelter's adoption process and fees, so this page will be updated soon!
In the meantime, here's some nice-to-know info that applies to nearly every animal shelter, humane society, and rescue.
Because shelter dogs are full of love!
Is it because they know you saved them and love you harder for it?
I can't say for certain, but yes.
Jokes aside, there are three things all shelter dogs need to thrive in their new home:
Older shelter dogs, generally 1+ years old, may have experienced a lot of trauma, which often results in one of 8 common behavioral issues:
These issues are correctable! Your dog isn't broken, they're just damaged. You can fix them with enough love, patience, and a good training plan.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, finding good dog trainers can be hard. Like everything else, dog training is moving only. but there are great online dog trainers that are proven to work and can help get your new pup on the right path.
You can learn a lot about an animal welfare organization just by looking at their name.
Adoption processes vary drastically from organization to organization, but here are some general tips that apply in most instances. Note that we'll use the term "shelters" here for simplicity but it includes all types of rescue organizations.
If you have any questions about adopting an animal (what you'll need, what to expect, etc.) feel free to contact the PetLists team!
If you're looking to adopt a new dog, our Dog Adoption Guide is a must-read. It has everything you need to know about bringing a shelter dog home:
And we're adding new guides all the time.
