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 while serving as a safe haven for Baltimore's animals in need. We are committed to providing every animal with the individualized care they deserve to ensure they find a second chance at a loving life.
Our History and Community Commitment
Since 2005, BARCS has operated as an essential resource for Baltimore City, working 365 days a year to support both homeless animals and owned pets. As an open-admission, 501(c)3 nonprofit, we provide a vital safety net for thousands of animals and their families, ensuring that no animal is turned away based on health, age, or temperament.
How We Help
We believe in empowering our community through a variety of lifesaving programs, including low-cost veterinary clinics, vaccine services, and behavioral support. Our facility serves as an emergency triage for animals in crisis, while our foster network and shelter staff work tirelessly to provide enrichment, medical care, and a warm place to wait for a forever home. By focusing on keeping pets in the homes where they are already loved, we aim to strengthen the bond between Baltimore families and their four-legged companions.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Adopting from BARCS is a life-changing experience that saves two lives: the animal you take home and the one we can now welcome into our kennel. We take pride in our thoughtful matching process, which includes an introduction to your new family member, a detailed adoption class, and ongoing support. Whether you meet a pet at our shelter or through one of our wonderful foster homes, we are here to help you find a companion that fits your life perfectly.
Join Our Family
We invite you to browse our current adoptable pets online or visit us at 2490 Giles Road to meet your future best friend in person. Together, we can continue to create positive outcomes for the animals who need us most. We look forward to welcoming you to the family!
- Staff dedication
- Modern and clean facility
- Sick animals
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
