How to Adopt

Adoption Guide

Looking to adopt a great dog or cat companion? You’ve come to the right place! The Maryland SPCA has wonderful pets to choose from. All pets have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and have received flea and other parasite treatments. While the animals stay with us at the SPCA, our staff and volunteers work hard on enriching their lives through daily walks outside for the dogs to feline aromatherapy for the cats to playtime for the puppies. This is all done to ensure each animal makes a smooth transition into its new home.

Follow the steps listed below to adopt from the SPCA. We also offer a custom adoption experience if you need a bit more assistance — our Personal Adopter service.

Before you Arrive

Make sure your apartment is pet-friendly. Check with your landlord about pet policies. If you need to find a pet-friendly apartment, check here.

To make the adoption process go a little quicker, here's a list of what to bring:

Vet records, if you currently own pets
Lease, if you currently rent
Any family members or roommates to meet the animals

Selecting a Pet

To meet available pets, visit our Adoption Center during visiting hours:

Monday & Tuesday— 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday through Friday—noon to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday—noon to 3:30 p.m.

Talk to our staff members. They are very familiar with each animal and can give you good insight into which pet is right for you.

You can also go online to our Available Pets pages and see the pets that are currently available for adoption.

Dancing Dog Quiz

We’ve designed a short quiz to help you find the best dog match. Take our Dancing Dog Quiz to help in your selection process. In our adoption center, you will see tags on the dogs’ kennels that say what kind of dancing dog they are.

Applying for a Pet

Once you have selected a pet you would like to adopt, you will need to fill out an adoption application. You will then sit and talk with an Adoption Counselor. Depending on how busy the SPCA is, the interview process could take up to an hour. A downloadable PDF application is available for you to fill out ahead of time and bring with you.*

*To download PDF files, you just need Adobe Reader on your computer. If it isn't already on your installed, you can get your free copy here.

Heading Home with Your New Pet

After the interview process, you are able to take your new pet home in most cases (depending on if the animal has had his/her spay/neuter surgery). To make sure you are prepared for that first night at home, here is a helpful list of what to have at home:

Food
Leash and collar (for dogs)
Bowls
Litterbox and litter (for cat)
Bed
Crate (for dog)
Transport carrier (for cat)

Pet Licensing Information

Every pet should be licensed. If your pet is ever lost, the license could help reunite you. Contact one of the groups listed below to license your pet.

Baltimore City Locations

BARCS 410-396-4688
The Maryland SPCA 410-235-8826, ext. 100

Fees:

Altered w/proof of rabies vaccination: $10
Unaltered: $30
Altered w/proof & owner over 65: $5
Unaltered w/proof & owner over 65: $15

Baltimore County Locations

County Office Bldg. 410-887-3630
Baltimore County Animal Shelter, Baldwin 410-887-5961
Any Baltimore County Full Service Library

Evidence of current rabies vaccination is required.

Fees:

Owner under 60/animal altered: $5
Owner under 60/animal unaltered: $10
Owner 60 & over/animal altered: $3
Owner 60 & over/animal unaltered: $6

Adoption Fees (effective February 1, 2005)

Fees include spay/neuter surgery, first vaccinations, and for each dog adoption, a training DVD and one free coupon to Positive Pooch class.

Adult Dogs: $125
Puppies and select small breed dogs: $150
Cats: $80
Kittens (under 4 months): $100

VINTAGE PAIRS: Do you have lots of time and lots of love to offer an older dog or cat? Have you reached the 60-year milestone in your life? Then the Vintage Pairs program may be for you. For individuals who have reached their golden years, The Maryland SPCA has select dogs and cats who have also reached the same milestone in their lives. If you are interested in adopting an older animal at no cost, please contact The Maryland SPCA for more information. Some income restrictions may apply.

SPECIAL NEEDS: We also adopt special needs dogs for reduced fees.

With each adoption, the SPCA sells microchips as an add-on for $15.00. The retail value of this service is $35–$60. Ask your adoption counselor for more details.

WHAT THE ADOPTION FEES INCLUDE COMPARED TO GETTING A "FREE" ANIMAL FROM A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOR:

	Cat or Dog:
Pet Owner Expenses	Given To You	Adopted from The Maryland SPCA
Initial Adoption Fee	Free	$80-$150
Spay/Neuter Surgery	$50-$100	Included
General Health/Behavior Exam	$25-$35	Included
Tattoo for identification	$40-$45	Included
Initial Vaccinations (FVRCP/Cats; DHLPP/Dogs)	$35	Included
Canine Bordatella (For Most Dogs)	$20	Included
Rabies Vaccination	$17-$20	Included
De-Worming	$10	Included
Tests (FELV/Cats; Heartworm/Dogs)	$20-$60	Included
Treatments (Antibiotics, Mitaclear, etc.)	$5-$10	Included
Revolution treatment for fleas, heartworm, and other parasites	$45-$60	Included
Temporary Carrier, Leash, Collar, ID Tag	$5-$10	Included
Nutritious Food/Treats during Stay	$25-$30	Included
Supplies during Stay (litter, toys, towels, etc.)	$15-$20	Included
Resources: DVD, Behavior Advice after Adoption	$25-$50	Included
Love and Attention	Priceless	Included

Total Costs	$337-$505	$80-150

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