Animal Care and Control
Baltimore County Animal Shelter
13800 Manor Road
Baldwin, MD 21013
E-mail: animalcontrol@baltimorecountymd.gov
Phone: 410-887-5961
TTY users call via Maryland Relay
Animal Control Highlights
- Learn about volunteer opportunities that benefit Baltimore County pets! Helpful tip: once on the volunteer web site, type "Baltimore County Animal Shelter" into the keyword searchbox to view a list of current volunteer opportunities.
The Animal Shelter welcomes partnerships with 501(c)3 non-profit groups for the placement of homeless dogs and cats. To find out how you can join a rescue and become a foster care provider for our pets, send an e-mail us to animalcontrol@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Share your love with a new pet! Visit the Baltimore County Animal Shelter to find an unFURgettable friend today.
General Services
The Baltimore County Animal Control Division is responsible for enforcing the laws that protect animals, returning stray pets to their owners and promoting responsible pet ownership (PDF). To report cruelty, make a complaint about any animal facility, or related complaints call 410-887-5961 or submit an online complaint.
Cat and Dog Adoptions
Adoption Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
View adoptable pets at the Baltimore County Animal Shelter. To adopt a pet (PDF) you must present a photo identification card, be at least 18 years-of-age, and make a $20 deposit for the pet. The total adoption fee is $65. Cats/kittens and dogs/puppies come with:
- Spay/Neuter certificate (worth $29 for females and $23 for males)
- Rabies shot
- License (required by Baltimore County law)
- First series of vaccinations
- Microchip with lifetime registry
- Welcome Home kit
Humane Law Enforcement
Animal abuse is a crime. If you witness animal cruelty, call 911. Report animal nuisances, menacing animals and mistreatment of animals by file an online complaint or call Animal Control at 410-887-5961 to discuss your report.
Licensing
All dogs and cats in Baltimore County must have an annual license. Obtain your pet license from the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections or full service County libraries.
An annual cat & dog license application (PDF) must be completed to obtain a license for a cat or dog. Please send two copies of the completed form to Permits, Approvals and Inspections.
Receive a 50 percent discount on cat & dog licensing fees when you have your pet spayed or neutered.
Permits
Apply for an annual permit for your public or private animal kennel, pet shop, grooming parlor or riding and boarding stable through Permits, Approvals and Inspections.
Lost Pets
Lost Pet Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
View lost cats and dogs that were turned into the Baltimore County Animal Shelter or picked up as a stray animal. Remember, licensing, tagging, and microchipping 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.
Rabies Vaccination and Micro-chipping Clinics
Clinics held weekly at the Animal Shelter. Call 410-887-5961 on Mondays to schedule an appointment.
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.
Licenses (PDF) can be purchased at the County Office Building and at all public libraries. Please send two copies of the completed form to Permits, Approvals and Inspections. When you purchase a license, you will be mailed a renewal form.
Micro-chipping is also available by appointment during rabies vaccination clinics. Micro-chipping is a painless process that provides a permanent tracking system for lost pets.
The cost for micro-chipping is $25 fee 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.
Revised February 3, 2012
