Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter, Inc. (BARCS)
Our Mission
The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is dedicated to preserving, reuniting, and making new families through our role as a compassionate, open-admission animal shelter. We strive to provide every individual animal with the unique care they need to ensure they receive the second chance they deserve.
Who We Are
Since 2005, BARCS has served as an essential safe haven for Baltimore City. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we provide emergency triage for sick, injured, or homeless animals while operating as one of the largest comprehensive pet owner resource centers in the region.
How We Help
We believe that every animal is unique, which is why we utilize a variety of programs to meet their specific needs. Our lifesaving efforts range from traditional family home adoptions and fostering networks to our innovative Working Cat program and the mobile BFF Waggin’ adoption van. By offering medical care, behavior support, and family resources, we work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcomes for every animal in our care.
Connecting You with Your New Best Friend
Adopting from BARCS is a joyful experience that saves two lives: the pet you bring home and the next animal who finds a safe place in our kennel. We focus on thoughtful, individual matching to ensure your new companion is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and home. Whether you are looking for an emotional support dog, a feline friend, or a senior pet, our team is here to support you through the journey.
Join Our Family
Ready to meet your new best friend? We invite you to view our adoptable pets on our website or visit our shelter to experience the difference firsthand. Your support, through adoption or volunteering, makes our mission possible every day.
- Attentive and caring staff
- Efficient routine processing
- Communication and responsiveness issues
7/30 - Adoption event hopes to place 3,000 animals as Baltimore shelters clear space for more pets
Baltimore shelters are waiving adoption fees in a Maryland-wide push to help more than 3,000 animals find homes.
7/22 - BARCS Animal Shelter takes in over 300 birds
BARCS Animal Shelter took in 322 birds from Baltimore City Animal Control on Wednesday in a case inolving birds that were not properly cared for, said BARCS
7/16 - Who Let The Dogs Out: Kramer & Jess Find Homes for 129 Pets - Radio Ink
WWMX has partnered with BARCS to host Kramer and Jess' "All Paws Home," a 10-hour animal adoption marathon on July 11.
7/11 - PHOTOS: BARCS hosts 'All Paws Home' adoption marathon
BARCS is hosting an all-day adoption push Saturday aimed at finding homes for 106 shelter animals during the “All Paws Home” adoption marathon.The event is sche
6/11 - Letters to the Editor: Local animal organizations should be supported
Fifth grade students from Battle Grove Elementary School wrote letters to the editor explaining why local animal organizations should be supported.
6/8 - Keeping kids and canines safe together
Hopkins researchers are mapping out a pet-positive approach to prevent dog bites, which have increased significantly in recent years
6/4 - BARCS closed for dog adoption and foster placements due to Parvovirus
BARCS closed for dog adoption and foster placements due to Parvovirus
6/3 - BARCS Animal Shelter Awarded $3,000 Orphan Kitten Club Grant
Tiny paws are getting a big boost in Baltimore.The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, known as BARCS, announced today it has received a $3,000 innovation
5/26 - Best Friends Fur Ever Partners with Chesapeake DockDogs and Big Truck Farm Brewery for Blockbuster "Hops on the Dock" Competition
Nearly 3,000 spectators and more than 70 canine athletes gathered at Big Truck Farm Brewery in Parkton, Maryland, for the... Read More
5/20 - Hometown Hotspot: National Rescue Dog Day at BARCS
Happy National Rescue Dog Day to all who celebrate! To commemorate, BMORE Lifestyle's Alex Parker was at BARCS animal shelter meeting some furry frinds waiting
5/12 - Baltimore County signs animal welfare bill to update pet care standards and owner accountability
Baltimore County's new animal welfare law updates pet care standards and holds reckless owners accountable
5/10 - BARCS: Theodore, a big dog with puppy energy, is ready for adoption
Theodore is still a puppy and just wants to sit in a lap, despite his size. He is in a foster home and is ready for adoption - just contact BARCS at 410-396-4695
5/5 - Baltimore County passes bill focused on animal protections and humane care standards
The package of four bills establishes what officials describe as "common-sense" rules for animal care, including requirements for shelter during inclement weather and access to veterinary treatment. It also strengthens enforcement measures against animal cruelty.
4/14 - These pictures of Pete Alonso playing with puppies are guaranteed to make you smile
BALTIMORE -- A dry-erase whiteboard inside of Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter on Tuesday afternoon had the following message written on it: "Polar Bears Welcome!" Not all polar bears, of course. But the Polar Bear, Pete Alonso, who has been quick to ingratiate himself within the Baltimore community since
3/20 - 'Special Moment': Dozens Of Pets Homed After Mega Adoption Event
Dozens of pets were successfully homed after a pop-up adoption event was held inside a former Walmart.
3/5 - Pop-Up Mega Adoption Event Aims To Match Pets With Prospective Owners
Anyone looking for a new furry family member should attend the pop-up mega pet adoption event planned for March 15.
3/1 - Overwhelmed BARCS gets some relief after ‘Baltimore showed up’ in droves
The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter saw an outpouring of support after suffering from an overcrowded kennel “crisis.”
2/19 - Snakes, turtles and lizards among 65 animals recovered from Baltimore home
The Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office rescued dozens of lizards, turtles, fish and snakes, as well as a dog, from a Baltimore home this week after their owner died unexpectedly.
