Lifesaving Shelter Programs
and Services
Reclaiming a Pet:
BARCS accepts and cares for lost pets in Baltimore City. Our goal is to reunite you with your pet quickly so they can go back to the comfort of their home. Per Baltimore City Code Title 10: The owner has 72 hours to reclaim their pet from the time they entered the shelter. After that time, the animal may be rehomed.
Please reach out immediately, if you think your pet may be in BARCS' care:
BARCS also provides sheltering and care for the animals impounded by Baltimore City Animal Control, but is unable to directly answer questions about impoundments or other Animal Control-related matters. For questions regarding the reason for the impoundment of your pet, please contact Animal Control at 410-396-4688.
**Please note: While we make our best efforts to get photos of all animals in our care, there are cases where this is not always possible, including animals who are injured, transported directly to the ER or otherwise involved in private investigations.
Things to know when reclaiming your pet:
The owner reclaiming a pet must:
Be 18 years of age or older
Have identification
Provide proof of ownership of the animal
Fees may be required for the care, feeding, housing, microchipping and veterinary care of the animal. The City may require the animal to be microchipped or to be altered. Coming to reclaim a pet quickly and/or providing proof of already having a current pet license, vaccinations, spay/neuter or a microchip will lower the fees associated with reclaiming your pet. Cash and Credit Card are acceptable payment methods.
To reclaim your pet, please come down to BARCS immediately. We are open 7 days a week and our hours for reclaiming a pet are 11AM-6PM (M-F) and 9AM-4PM (Saturday and Sunday). Please come to our Public Services lobby. Our address is 2490 Giles Road, Baltimore, MD 21225. Do not delay or wait for phone or email communication to take this step.
If your pet is at BARCS and you can’t come down immediately, please email petsupport@barcs.organd be sure to make contact that same day. Our staff is extremely busy at the shelter and may not be able to respond immediately. If you do not hear from us within an hour, please send someone to the shelter on your behalf the same day to ensure that we are aware your pet is here within the 72-hour stray hold period.
