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.
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:
To meet available pets, visit our Adoption Center during visiting hours:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
BARCS 410-396-4688
The Maryland SPCA 410-235-8826, ext. 100
Fees:
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:
Fees include spay/neuter surgery, first vaccinations, and for each dog adoption, a training DVD and one free coupon to Positive Pooch class.
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 |