How to Adopt

To adopt a pet from our shelter, you must:

As an open admission and open adoption shelter, we do not do holds or appointments for adoptable pets. If you arrive before adoption hours begin, secure a spot in line to meet the available animal of your choice by getting a numbered ticket from our adoption lobby. 

ADOPTION FEE

The adoption fee is $50 for dogs and $40 for cats and includes:

• Animal license (if the adopter lives in Baltimore County), as required by Baltimore County law
• Microchip with lifetime registry through AKC Reunite

All adoptable dogs and cats are:

• Spayed or neutered
• Up-to-date on vaccinations
• Microchipped

There are no adoption fees for exotic pets, like rabbits and turtles. 

Waived fee exceptions

There are several exceptions to adoption fees. Fees are waived if you adopt:

• A dog or cat over 10 years old
• A working cat
• A dog or cat with special needs (FIV+/FeLV+)
• The Pet of the Week
• From select offsite events
• On a holiday
• During a special promotion announced by BCAS

DISCOUNTS FOR VETERANS

Veterans receive waived adoption fees year-round. Proof of military service will be requested upon adoption or scheduling of the spay or neuter appointment. Accepted proof of service includes:

• A DD214
• Discharge papers
• A valid driver's license or state ID with a veteran designation

LEARN ABOUT YOUR NEW PET

Adopting a pet is exciting, but it's important to introduce new things one at a time. Informative videos are available on the following topics:

• The two-week shutdown for dogs and cats.
• How to properly introduce your dog to your new dog. 
• Steps to take when adopting a second cat.