Programs

Pet Identification

Our pets are an important part of our families, yet animal shelters throughout the country take in millions of lost cats and dogs each year. Purchasing a pet license is like taking out an insurance policy–if your pet ever gets lost, it can help ensure they’ll find their way home.

Why is it Important to Get Your Pet Licensed?

• Licensing your pet is the law for residents of Baltimore City.
• If your pet gets lost, a license tag on their collar is the fastest way to reunite you and your pet. Even if your pet is microchipped, a license tag is immediately visible and doesn’t require a scanning device to read.
• If your lost animal is found by a neighbor/resident, they have access to the public licensing database to find the pet and owner's information, returning them right back to you without a stop at the shelter.
• A current license lets people know that your pet has received the required vaccination to protect your dog from rabies.
• Your pet’s license shows that you are a responsible guardian.
• As if that wasn't rewarding enough, as of July 2013, 100% of the proceeds from this program go directly toward caring for the animals at BARCS (i.e. not revenue for the city, but a donation to homeless animals in our community).

Annual Pet License Fees

To purchase any pet license, you must provide proof of current rabies* vaccination.

• $30.00 without proof of spay/neuter
• $10.00 with proof of spay/neuter
• $15.00 for an owner over 65 years of age without proof of spay/neuter
• $5.00 for an owner over 65 years of age with proof of spay/neuter
• $1.00 for a replacement of a lost license
• No fee for an assistance dog

A new Lifetime License is now available for $100.00. This pet license is good for the life of the animal and is nontransferable. To purchase a Lifetime License, you need to have proof of a current rabies vaccination, proof of spay/neuter and proof of a microchip.

*Has your veterinarian requested that your dog be exempt from receiving the rabies vaccination? If so, please provide a Rabies Exemption Form from your veterinarian when submitting your dog license application.

Obtaining a Baltimore City Pet License

• Purchase your license directly online by clicking here.
• Visit BARCS at 2490 Giles Rd, Baltimore, MD 21225 between the hours of 2-6 p.m. during the week and 11-4 p.m. on weekends.

Microchipping Information

Microchip placement is an included service for all animals adopted from BARCS. It is important that you keep your microchip up to date with your current address and working phone number. If you have misplaced your microchip information, email us at info@barcs.org.

BARCS microchips are registered to 24PetWatch through BARCS, but you can use your number to register on other online databases too! Be sure to register your microchip on the chips registry and with FoundAnimals.org (free lifetime registration and updates).

Does your pet need a microchip? Visit our monthly low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic to have one placed.

Help us continue saving lives by making a donation today to BARCS. Our Pet Licensing Program is just one of the many ways BARCS is helping reunite pets with their families and keep them in loving homes and out of the shelter.

Give Up a Pet Outdoor Community Cats Program Spay and Neuter Pet Identification Low-Cost Monthly Vaccine & Microchip Clinic Reclaiming a Pet