How to Adopt a Pet

Adoptions are completed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility

To adopt a pet from our shelter, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Provide a photo identification card
• Pass a background check for animal-related offenses
• Pay the adoption fee—$50 for dogs and $40 for cats—which includes:
  • A spayed or neutered pet (dog, puppy, cat or kitten)
  • First series of vaccinations, including rabies shot
  • Animal license, as required by Baltimore County law
  • Microchip with lifetime registry 

Submit a Meeting Request 

Thank you for your interest in adoption. Please complete the request form below for the adoptable pet you are interested in meeting.

Note: Only animals listed on our adoption page are available for adoption, lost pets are not. Any request to meet an animal that is not available for adoption will be denied.

Approval Process

If your meeting request is approved, we will contact you to schedule an appointment.   Submitting a pet meeting request does not place a hold on that pet. If the pet is no longer available, we will contact you and you may choose another pet to meet.

Discounts for Veterans

Veterans receive a half-off adoption fee year-round. Animal adoption, and spay and neuter fees are waived for qualified veterans during the Veteran and Memorial holidays.

Pets for Patriots

Baltimore County Animal Shelter is a proud adoption partner of Pets for Patriots, a nationally operating 501(c)(3) charity creating opportunities for veterans and service members to save hard-to-adopt shelter pets.

Proof of Service

Proof of military service will be requested upon adoption, or scheduling of the spay or neuter appointment. Accepted proof of service includes:

• A DD214
• Discharge papers
• A valid driver's license or state ID with a veteran designation