Q. Where can I find telephone numbers to state and local resources?
A. Telephone numbers for state and local agencies:
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Q. What are Animal Control's hours of operation?
A. The Animal Control Division has officers available to respond to emergencies around the clock seven days a week.
| Regular Services | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Adoption Visiting Hours | Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Animal Shelter Lost Pet Search | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| After business hours, call Animal Control for instruction or call 911 for emergencies involving animals. |
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Q. How can I file a complaint about a neighbor's animal?
A. In situations involving nuisance animals that bark excessively, run at large or leave unwelcome deposits, consider talking with the pet owner about the problems before filing a complaint. Animal nuisance complaints are taken by phone, but not anonymously. For most complaints, you must provide your name, address and telephone number and the address of the pet owner. Your identity is not shared with the pet owner at this point unless he or she formally requests that information. Most reports involving animal cruelty and neglect will be taken anonymously, as are reports of stray animals running at large when the owner is now known.
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Q. Who do I call to have a dead animal removed?
A. Call Animal Control for dead animals on County maintained roads. Maryland Highway Administration picks up dead animals on State numbered routes. Animal Control also picks up deceased pets, free of charge.
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Q. My pet is lost. What should I do?
A. Visit the Animal Shelter Monday–Saturday, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you bring a photo with you, your pet's photo will be posted on the lost pet board. Bring your Maryland picture identification or license, your pet's Rabies vaccination information, if available, and any proof of ownership. Be prepared to pay impoundment, board charges, and purchase the required license. The Animal Shelter accepts cash and checks only. Call ahead for further instructions, and be sure to take a look at the "lost pet" brochure (PDF).
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Q. Am I required to turn in a stray pet?
A. Baltimore County Law requires that finders of stray pets turn the pet over to Animal Control within 24 hours. Any pet not claimed by its owner or adopted during the Animal Shelter's four-day hold period may be reclaimed by the person who found it for the cost of a Rabies vaccination and County animal license. For more information, contact the Department of Health's Animal Control Division at 410-887-5961 or e-mail animalcontrol@baltimorecountymd.gov.
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Q. What is the pet adoption fee?
A. The adoption fee for all pets is $60. This includes the pet, an exam by a licensed veterinarian, a first full series of shots, worming and microchip with registration. Pets will also receive a Rabies vaccination, annual license and a discount certificate toward spaying or neutering. All pets must be spayed or neutered. There can be monetary violations issued for non-compliance.
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Q. How can I get my pet's Rabies vaccination, microchip or license?
A. Take advantage of the Animal Shelter's weekly clinics, which are held each Thursday by appointment. During May and June, the Department's Communicable Disease Division holds low cost Rabies clinics at area schools. Rabies vaccinations and licenses are required for all cats and dogs over three months of age. You must provide proof of a current Rabies vaccination in order to purchase a license. Licenses (PDF) are also available at the County Office Building, the Humane Society of Baltimore County, and at all public libraries. When you purchase a license, you will be mailed a renewal form when it is time to purchase a new one.
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Q. Who do I call about nuisance wildlife?
A. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources sponsors a toll-free Wildlife Damage Hotline in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture. Trained hotline staff will help you make your household environment less appealing to wildlife intruders. DNR also licenses wildlife removal specialists, rescue rehabilitators and all trapping activities in the state. A DNR permit is required by law to trap nuisance wildlife. For further information contact 1-887-463-6497 or visit www.dnr.state.md.us.
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Q. Where do I get information on rodent control (rats)?
A. Learn more about rodent control and report rat problems by visiting the Rid Rats web section or calling 410-887-RATS.
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What do I do if I am bitten by a dog or cat?
A. Thoroughly clean and flush the wound with warm, soapy, water and an antiseptic. If the owner of the animal is unknown the Police should be called. If the owner of the animal is well known and the animal is healthy, contact Baltimore County Department of Health at 410-887-5961 the next business day, so that further recommendations may be made.
If someone is bitten by an animal that is obviously sick or behaving abnormally, seek immediate medical attention. If the animal is a stray and can be safety confined, call Animal Control to arrange pickup. The animal must be available for an evaluation by a licensed veterinarian or turned over to Animal Control.
For bites which happen outside normal business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or on weekends and holidays, contact 410-832-1782. Back to top
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Revised June 21, 2007
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