BARCS takes in new animals in need of a loving home every day. If you don’t see what you are looking for, please continue checking our website for new faces! Adoption fees are listed here. We are currently open by appointment only . Please see the instructions above to schedule an appointment.

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 and email it to info@barcs.org . Applications must be approved before your appointment; printed applications are not accepted. Please email us if you need assistance with your online application.

To ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors while meeting the needs of the animals that depend on us, temporary modifications have been made to various department operations until further notice. Our shelter is now open to the public by appointment only for adoption and emergency intake by emailing info@barcs.org or calling 410-396-4695. Appointments are required for all visitors, including adoptions, surrenders, volunteers and fosters.

Gender: All Gender: Male Gender: Female Age: All Age: Under 1 Year Age: Over 1 Year Order By: -- Order By: Name Order By: Breed

COVID-19 Operational Update:

To ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors while meeting the needs of the animals that depend on us, temporary modifications have been made to various department operations until further notice. Our shelter is now open to the public by appointment only for adoption and emergency intake by emailing info@barcs.org or calling 410-396-4695. Appointments are required for all visitors, including adoptions, surrenders, volunteers and fosters. Please continue reading for the specifics of each program.

Adopters are asked to please fill out our adoption application prior to your appointment. The application can be found online and emailed to info@barcs.org. If you are unable to complete the form online, please bring a printed copy with you. If neither of these options are available to you, please indicate this when scheduling your appointment.

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Everything You Need to Know

When you adopt from BARCS, you don’t save just one life—you save two. Not only are you saving your pet, but you’re opening up space for us to take in another pet in need. Each year, our shelter takes in 11,000 homeless animals from our community, each in need of love and care. By choosing adoption, you are saving a life—you are part of the solution!

Applications can be downloaded here

Click Here for Fees and Adoption Packages

Adoption Locations

Main Shelter: 2490 Giles Road, Baltimore, MD, 21225 (250 – 300 dogs and cats in care)

2490 Giles Road, Baltimore, MD, 21225 (250 – 300 dogs and cats in care) Foster Homes: Please email catfosters@barcs.org or dogfosters@barcs.org to meet animals listed with "foster care" as their location

Please email catfosters@barcs.org or dogfosters@barcs.org to meet animals listed with "foster care" as their location Petco Canton: 3969 Boston Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, 410-951-7601 (Cats and kittens only)

3969 Boston Street, Baltimore, MD, 21224, 410-951-7601 (Cats and kittens only) Pet Valu at the Southside Marketplace: 895 East Fort Avenue Baltimore, MD 21230, 410-783-1590 (Cats and kittens only)

895 East Fort Avenue Baltimore, MD 21230, 410-783-1590 (Cats and kittens only) Pet Valu at Mt. Vernon Historic District: 1209 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-230-0410 (Cats and kittens only)

1209 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-230-0410 (Cats and kittens only) PetSmart Glen Burnie: 597-C E Ordnance Road, Baltimore, MD 21060, 410-582-9444 (Cats and kittens only)

597-C E Ordnance Road, Baltimore, MD 21060, 410-582-9444 (Cats and kittens only) BARCS BFF Waggin’ adoption events: Check out our online calendar to see where the BFF Waggin’ filled with adoptable animals is headed next!

BARCS Adoption Benefits

Spay/neuter surgery

All age-appropriate vaccinations

Flea and parasite treatments

Microchip

Starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet brand pet food

Unlimited FREE certified training classes and private consultations for lifetime of the animal

Adoption Requirements

In order to adopt, you must be at least 18 years old, provide proof of a current address, and have a current photo ID. Potential adopters must interact with the animals they are interested in and complete an adoption application. Once a selection has been made, applicants meet with a BARCS Adoption Counselor.

When You Visit our Shelter

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.