Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter, Inc. (BARCS)
Our Mission
The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is a dedicated nonprofit, open-admission shelter committed to helping animals and supporting families throughout Baltimore City. Our goal is to provide a safe haven for every animal in need while promoting responsible pet ownership for a more humane community.
Our History and Impact
Since 2005, we have served as an essential resource for Baltimore, operating 365 days a year to provide a second chance for thousands of homeless pets. We believe in transparency and community trust, standing as a proud, progressive leader in the national animal welfare landscape.
How We Care
As an open-admission facility, we welcome animals regardless of their health, age, or temperament. We rely on a vital blend of high-volume in-shelter medical care, a passionate foster network, and community support programs to ensure each animal gets exactly what they need to thrive. Whether it is emergency triage or spay and neuter services, we work tirelessly to prepare every individual for their next chapter.
The Adopter Connection
When you choose to adopt from BARCS, you are not just taking home a new friend; you are saving two lives by opening a kennel space for another animal waiting for a fresh start. We focus on thoughtful, unique matches, ensuring that the pets in our care find the loving, permanent families they deserve. Every adoption is a partnership that enriches the lives of both the pet and their new home.
Join Our Family
Ready to meet your new best friend? We invite you to explore our current list of adoptable dogs, cats, and small companion animals on our website. You can also visit our shelter at 2490 Giles Road to start your journey toward a lifelong, joyful connection.
- Friendly and dedicated staff
- Successful adoption experiences
- Inconsistent adoption application/screening policies
9/24 - Workers at Baltimore animal shelter win their union
Workers at a Baltimore animal rescue organized and won their union through Maryland Council 3.
9/18 - Families and fans attend Alonso Foundation's movie night at Camden Yards
Families and fans came out to watch 'The Secret Life of Pets' at Orioles Park. The movie choice, appropriate to their mission.
8/19 - Maryland animal shelters asking for help as pet surrenders rise over the summer
MDSPCA has handled 6% more surrenders than in years past, and the constant stream of animals in the shelter doors means more demand for staff and supplies.
8/17 - Animal rescue looks for homes for birds seized from exotic bird shop
Animal rescues are working to save hundreds of birds seized from Loros Exoticos Baltimore, an exotic bird shop in Highlandtown.
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.
