July 1, 2021  |  News Update

Critical Maryland SPCA Operational Updates

If you’re a member of the media, you can reach Marketing & Communications Director Andy Beres at aberes@mdspca.org or (410) 235-8826 [ext. 139].

UPDATE | MAY 28, 2022

Due to increased rates of COVID-19 in Baltimore City, the Maryland SPCA is temporarily updating its mask policy:

  • Staff and volunteers are required to wear masks when indoors.
  • Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear masks when indoors.

Thank you for patience and understanding with these temporary measures.

UPDATE | MARCH 17, 2022:

The Maryland SPCA adoption center has reopened to the public! Welcome back.

Click here to learn more about our new adoption process.

Click here for hours and directions.

UPDATE | DECEMBER 22, 2021:

TEMPORARY CHANGES TO ADOPTION PROCESS
At the Maryland SPCA, the safety of our pets, clients, volunteers, and staff is our top priority. With COVID-19 cases rising and uncertainty around the Omicron variant, the MD SPCA is temporarily changing our adoption process.

Beginning Monday, December 27, we’re temporarily suspending appointments to walk through our shelter.

For the time being, every adoption will begin with an online application. However, applicants will have the option of doing their meet-and-greet/interview virtually or outside our shelter at 3300 Falls Road.

Click here for a detailed explanation of our modified adoption process.

We’ll continue to monitor the situation and look forward to having the public inside the shelter when it’s safe.

UPDATE | DECEMBER 8, 2021:

The Maryland SPCA Wellness Clinic is now Neighborhood Vet Care.

This past year, there’s been a severe shortage of veterinary providers nationwide. The MD SPCA decided to address that need by expanding our wellness clinic into a more comprehensive veterinary practice. As part of that process—and to eliminate name confusion with the MD SPCA’s spay/neuter clinic—the Wellness Clinic was renamed Neighborhood Vet Care. Every dollar made by Neighborhood Vet Care will benefit animals at the Maryland SPCA.

Neighborhood Vet Care will begin taking new clients in 2022.

UPDATE | OCTOBER 18, 2021:

The Maryland SPCA is now offering two ways to adopt: by appointment in person or online.

  • If you want to adopt in person, you can make an appointment to walk through our shelter. Masks and social distancing are required inside.
  • Prefer to adopt online? We’re also continuing our virtual adoption process.

Please note: in-person applicants will receive priority for any given pet.

Click here to learn more and to make an appointment.

UPDATE | JULY 1, 2021:

The Maryland SPCA is following Centers for Disease Control, as well as state and city, guidance around mask wearing.

People who’ve been vaccinated are not required to wear a mask on campus. Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated should continue to wear a mask.

TRAINING CLASSES
In addition to our virtual training classes, we’re now offering classes in person at our campus.

Visit our animal behavior and training page to learn more.

SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
Our Spay/Neuter Clinic has resumed normal operations. Please email fixem@mdspca.org to inquire about services.

IF YOU NEED TO SURRENDER A PET
Please contact our admissions department at (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0].

In an emergency situation, call your local animal control. If you’re in Baltimore City, dial 311.

UPDATE | JUNE 1, 2021:

WELLNESS CLINIC
The MD SPCA Wellness Clinic is temporarily closed to address staffing shortages and complete critical maintenance. Thank you for your patience as we complete this important work.

If you’re an existing client of the Wellness Clinic, click here for additional information.

UPDATE | NOVEMBER 5, 2020:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland SPCA is providing services by appointment only:

VIRTUAL ADOPTIONS
The MD SPCA is providing adoptions through an online process. See How to Adopt to learn more.

WELLNESS CLINIC
The MD SPCA Wellness Clinic is now open for essential services. For more information or to request an appointment, call (410) 400-WELL or email wellness@mdspca.org.

SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
Our spay/neuter clinic has resumed limited operations. Please email fixem@mdspca.org to inquire about services. Note: there is currently a significant backlog of appointments due to the pandemic.

PET FOOD ASSISTANCE
If you need pet food assistance, fill out our Kibble Connection Food Pantry request form. We’ll provide free dog and cat food as long as supplies last.

ONLINE TRAINING CLASSES
We’re offering a variety of virtual training classes.

Visit our animal behavior and training page to learn more.

FREE BEHAVIOR CONSULTATIONS
If you need behavior assistance, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 151], email trainer@mdspca.org, or check our resource library. We’ll respond to calls or emails the next business day.

WAGGING TALES VIRTUAL STORY TIME
Every Thursday at 4pm, children can read to pets live via Zoom.

Click here to learn more.


For help with other specific needs, we recommend you do the following:

IF YOU RECENTLY ADOPTED FROM THE MD SPCA
If you’re having an issue with a pet you recently adopted from the MD SPCA, please call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0] to leave a message with our adoption center. You can also email adoptme@mdspca.org.

LOST & FOUND PETS
If you find a lost pet—or if you’ve lost your own pet—visit our Lost & Found page for recommendations.

IF YOU NEED TO SURRENDER A PET
All animal shelters are facing similar challenges due to the pandemic. In an emergency situation, call your local animal control. In Baltimore City, dial 311.

If you need resources to help keep your pet, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0] and leave a message. We’ll respond the next business day.

UPDATE | JULY 22, 2020:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland SPCA is providing limited services by appointment only:

VIRTUAL ADOPTIONS
The MD SPCA is providing adoptions through an online process. See How to Adopt to learn more.

WELLNESS CLINIC
The MD SPCA Wellness Clinic is now open for essential services. For more information or to request an appointment, call (410) 400-WELL or email wellness@mdspca.org.

SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
Our spay/neuter clinic has resumed limited operations. Please email fixem@mdspca.org to inquire about services. Note: there is currently a significant backlog of appointments due to the pandemic.

PET FOOD ASSISTANCE
If you need pet food assistance, fill out our Kibble Connection Food Pantry request form. We’ll provide free dog and cat food as long as supplies last.

ONLINE TRAINING CLASSES
We’re offering a variety of virtual training classes.

Visit our animal behavior and training page to learn more.

FREE BEHAVIOR CONSULTATIONS
If you need behavior assistance, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 151], email trainer@mdspca.org, or check our resource library. We’ll respond to calls or emails the next business day.


For help with other specific needs, we recommend you do the following:

IF YOU RECENTLY ADOPTED FROM THE MD SPCA

If you’re having an issue with a pet you recently adopted from the MD SPCA, please call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0] to leave a message with our adoption center. You can also email adoptme@mdspca.org.

LOST & FOUND PETS

If you find a lost pet—or if you’ve lost your own pet—visit our Lost & Found page for recommendations.

IF YOU NEED TO SURRENDER A PET

All animal shelters are facing similar challenges due to the pandemic. In an emergency situation, call your local animal control. In Baltimore City, dial 311.

If you need resources to help keep your pet, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0] and leave a message. We’ll respond the next business day.

UPDATE | MAY 6, 2020:

The Maryland SPCA’s facilities remain temporarily closed to the public. However, we are pleased to provide limited services as follows.

VIRTUAL ADOPTIONS
The Maryland SPCA has launched a new adoption process that’s entirely online.  See How to Adopt to learn more.

Please note: we’ll be rolling this out slowly as we acclimate to our new software.

PET FOOD ASSISTANCE
If you need pet food assistance, fill out our Kibble Connection Food Pantry request form.  We’ll provide free dog and cat food as long as supplies last.

ONLINE TRAINING CLASSES
We’re offering a variety of virtual training classes.

Visit our events page to learn more.

FREE BEHAVIOR CONSULTATIONS
If you need behavior assistance, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 151], email trainer@mdspca.org, or check our resource library. We’ll respond to calls or emails the next business day.


For help with other specific needs while our facilities are temporarily closed to the public, we recommend you do the following:

IF YOU RECENTLY ADOPTED FROM THE MARYLAND SPCA

If you’re having an issue with a pet you recently adopted from the Maryland SPCA, please call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0] to leave a message with our adoption center. You can also email adoptme@mdspca.org. We’ll respond when we’re able. 

LOST & FOUND PETS

If you find a lost pet—or if you’ve lost your own pet—visit our Lost & Found page for recommendations.

IF YOU NEED TO SURRENDER A PET

All animal shelters are facing similar challenges due to Maryland’s state of emergency. In an emergency situation, call your local animal control. In Baltimore City, dial 311.

If you need resources to help keep your pet, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0] and leave a message. We’ll respond the next business day.

IF YOU’RE TRYING TO REACH OUR SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC

Our spay/neuter clinic remains temporarily closed. If you’re having an issue with a pet for which we recently provided surgery, please call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0] and leave a message. We’ll respond the next business day.

IF YOU’RE TRYING TO REACH OUR WELLNESS CLINIC

Our Wellness Clinic remains temporarily closed. If you’re an existing client and you need to refill a prescription or are having complications with your pet, please call (410) 400-WELL and leave a message or email wellness@mdspca.org. We’ll respond the next business day.

  • IF YOU NEED ROUTINE VETERINARY CARE: Please contact  a veterinary provider near you. Click here for a list of the Maryland SPCA’s neighborhood vets. As of May 6, 2020, our partner VCA Animal Hospitals remains open.
  • IF YOU NEED EMERGENCY VETERINARY CARE: If you have a sick of injured pet or another emergency, please visit your closest veterinary hospital, such as our partner PetER. If you’re unable to do so, please call your local animal control. If you’re a Baltimore City resident, dial 311.

UPDATE | MARCH 21, 2020:

Effective March 23, 2020, the Maryland SPCA is temporarily suspending operations until further notice.

All our shelter animals are safely in foster homes with our incredible volunteers and staff.

During this time, we will not be able to provide adoption services, admissions services, spay/neuter surgeries, or veterinary care to the public at our Wellness Clinic.

A small group of emergency personnel is performing very limited functions. Consequently, we have only a minimal ability to respond to emails and phone messages. Please be patient as we work to get back to you as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.

If you want to help animals during this critical time, you can make a monetary donation, which will help our pets during this suspension and when we resume services. If you’re willing and able to foster a pet, we encourage you to contact other shelters that have immediate needs.

For help with specific needs during our temporary suspension, we recommend you do the following.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO ADOPT

If you’re seeking to adopt a pet, you can contact other local animal shelters. Please be aware that all animal shelters are facing similar challenges, so it is advisable to call first.

IF YOU RECENTLY ADOPTED FROM THE MARYLAND SPCA

If you’re having an issue with a pet you recently adopted from the Maryland SPCA, please call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0] to leave a message with our adoption center. You can also email adoptme@mdspca.org. We’ll respond when we’re able. 

IF YOU NEED BEHAVIOR ASSISTANCE

If you need behavior assistance, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 151], email trainer@mdspca.org, or check our resource library. We’ll respond to calls or emails when we’re able.

LOST & FOUND PETS

If you find a lost pet—or if you’ve lost your own pet—visit our Lost & Found page for recommendations.

IF YOU NEED TO SURRENDER A PET

All animal shelters are facing similar challenges due to Maryland’s state of emergency. In an emergency situation, call your local animal control. In Baltimore City, dial 311.

If you need resources to help keep your pet, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0] and leave a message. We’ll respond when we’re able.

IF YOU’RE TRYING TO REACH OUR SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC

If you have an appointment with our Spay/Neuter Clinic, we will be contacting you to reschedule. If you’re having an issue with a pet for which we recently provided surgery, please call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0] and leave a message. We’ll respond as we’re able.

IF YOU’RE TRYING TO REACH OUR WELLNESS CLINIC

If you have an appointment with our Wellness Clinic, we will be contacting you to reschedule. If you’re an existing client and you need to refill a prescription or are having complications with your pet, please call (410) 400-WELL and leave a message or email wellness@mdspca.org. We’ll respond as we’re able.

  • IF YOU NEED ROUTINE VETERINARY CARE: Please contact  a veterinary provider near you. Click here for a list of the Maryland SPCA’s neighborhood vets. As of March 21, 2020, our partner VCA Animal Hospitals remains open.
  • IF YOU NEED EMERGENCY VETERINARY CARE: If you have a sick of injured pet or another emergency, please visit your closest veterinary hospital, such as our partner PetER. If you’re unable to do so, please call your local animal control. If you’re a Baltimore City resident, dial 311.

UPDATE | MARCH 17, 2020

Effective March 18, 2020, the Maryland SPCA is temporarily scaling back operations to essential services in response to COVID-19. These are necessary steps to protect the health and safety of our customers, pets, staff, and volunteers.

The following services will be impacted:

At this time, we cannot accept in-kind donations at the shelter. However, we welcome monetary donations and Amazon wish-list items.

ADMISSIONS SERVICES

We will continue to provide mission-critical services like taking in strays and owner-surrendered animals, along with owner-requested euthanasia. However, for the protection of our staff and customers, we’re temporarily changing the process.

Admissions services will be provided by appointment only. Please call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 105] to schedule a time to bring in the animal. If you’re seeking an appointment for an injured animal, you can call us from the parking lot and we’ll instruct you on how to proceed.

Services will be provided during our regular operating hours.

If anyone in your household has a fever or is coughing, please do not come to the shelter. Call the admissions team and they will be able to make a plan with you. We hope you understand that our staff’s health and safety is essential to our ability to serve the community.

Please practice social distancing (the 6-foot rule) at all times.

If you have any questions, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 105] for more information.

ADOPTION SERVICES

With so many people at home, we understand it’s a good time to add a pet to your family. We want to help with that, but in order to remain open, we need to keep our staff safe. That’s why we’re temporarily changing our adoption process.

Please visit mdspca.org/adopt to see our available pets. If you’re interested in one, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0] to speak with an adoption counselor. Together on the phone, we’ll fill out the application and begin the interview process. If you’re a good match, we’ll schedule a time for you to come meet the pet. If that goes well, we’ll complete the interview and adoption contract.

All other adoption procedures still apply.

Services will be provided during our regular operating hours.

If anyone in your household has a fever or is coughing, please wait until you’re completely healthy to pursue an adoption. We’ll be happy to help you then. The Maryland SPCA appreciates your choosing to adopt a pet. We hope you understand that our staff’s health and safety is essential to our ability to serve the community.

Please practice social distancing (the 6-foot rule) at all times.

If you have any questions, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 0].

TRAINING CLASSES

All training classes are temporarily suspended for the safety of customers and staff. If you’re currently enrolled in a class, you’ll be receiving an email about refunding your tuition or rescheduling to a later date. Classes will resume when the CDC and Governor Hogan advise that large gatherings are safe again.

In the meantime, we’re offering free phone consultations to anyone who needs it. To set up a phone consultation, or if you have questions, email trainer@mdspca.org or call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 151].

SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC

The Spay/Neuter Clinic will remain open per our usual operating hours [link]. However, until further notice, only one client at a time is permitted inside the building.

When you arrive at the clinic, please ring the bell to contact our front desk. They’ll provide further instructions.

Please practice social distancing (the 6-foot rule) at all times.

If you have any questions, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 160].

WELLNESS CLINIC

The Wellness Clinic will remain open during our regular operating hours. However, until further notice, only one client at a time is permitted inside the building. Additionally, no children will be permitted entrance at any time.

When you arrive at the clinic, please proceed to the side door and ring the bell to contact our front desk. They’ll provide further instructions.

Please practice social distancing (the 6-foot rule) at all times.

If you have any questions, call (410) 400-9355.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE

We know your hearts are with our pets during this difficult time. However, for your safety and that of our customers and staff, we’re temporarily suspending all volunteer service. Rest assured, because we’re temporarily scaling back our operations, our dedicated staff will be able to continue providing expert, compassionate care to all our animals.

Thank you for your incredible commitment and service to the Maryland SPCA, our pets, and the community. Your gift of time, attention, and care is so deeply appreciated. We look forward to seeing you again when it’s safe to return.

We encourage you to practice social distance (the 6-foot rule) in your personal lives.

If you have any questions, call (410) 235-8826 [ext. 146 or 148]

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