Welcome to the official page for the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) 501(c)3. We are the largest animal shelter in the state of Maryland, taking in more than 11,000 cats and dogs, as well as an additional 1,000 exotic animals annually.

The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, Inc (BARCS) is a nonprofit shelter that accepts and cares for all animals in need and promotes responsible pet ownership for a more humane community in Baltimore City.

BARCS offers many programs.
We offer a low cost vaccination clinic, the first Saturday of each month from 9 am to 12 pm. Durning the clinic you can get a $6 rabies vaccine, $10 distemper vaccine, $20 microchipping and your Baltimore City Pet License. The pet license ranges from $5-$30.
You can also purchase and Baltimore City Pet License anytime during our normal business hours (Monday-Friday 2-6, Saturday and Sunday 11-4). BARCS receives 50% of the proceeds for pet license sales.
In order to purchase a pet license, your pet MUST be current on its rabies vaccine, and you must bring proof of that. If your pet has been spayed or neutered, please bring proof of that as well.
To adopt an animal from BARCS, please stop by during regular business hours to view our animals. You may start the process by filling out the adoption application online or by stopping by.
If you are interested in becoming a foster, please visit our webstie for more details. www.baltimoreanimalshelter.org