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Monday 2pm - 6pm Tuesday 2pm - 6pm Wednesday 2pm - 6pm Thursday 2pm - 6pm Friday 2pm - 6pm Saturday 11am - 4pm Sunday 11am - 4pm

BARCS Animal Shelter, 2490 Giles Road, Baltimore, MD (2026)

01/01/2026

✨Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to 2025, we want to thank you for being an incredible part of our journey—your support has helped wagging tails and purring hearts all year long. Here’s to carrying that love and care into 2026!

BARCS is closed today for New Year’s Day, but we’ll reopen tomorrow, January 2, with regular hours. We can’t wait to see you! 🐾

12/31/2025

❤️ Bring a little extra love into the New Year! Today is the last day adoption fees are waived through BARCS’ annual Gift of Life program, helping shelter animals take one step closer to a loving home and making it easier for adopters to start the year with a wagging tail or a gentle purr.

A new year is the perfect excuse to meet some sweet, furry faces—here are a few hoping to find a loving home and a little extra love:

🐶 Name: Slushy
Age/Weight: 1 year old, 38 lbs.
Tidbit: He’s a champion treat catcher, knows “sit,” and likes the company of small dogs.

🐱 Name: Pawtucket
Age/Weight: 4 years old, 9 lbs.
Tidbit: He has experience living with other kitties.

🐶 Name: Trek
Age/Weight: 4 years old, 62 lbs.
Tidbit: Playful girl who appears housetrained and knows “sit,” “paw,” and “down.”

🐶 Name: Amiga.
Age/Weight: 2 years old, 41 lbs.
Tidbit: She’s a gentle, playful girl who loves playing fetch, knows “sit,” and appears to be housetrained.

🐱Name: Angel.
Age/Weight: 1 year old, 7 lbs.
Tidbit: Adorable girl, affectionate and friendly.

🐶 Name: Conan.
Age/Weight: 5 years old, 95 lbs.
Tidbit: Housetrained, knows “sit,” and enjoys the company of tolerant, rowdy pups.

A loving friend is waiting just for you! 🐾✨Come visit us at BARCS, 2490 Giles Rd.

12/31/2025

✨ Hi! I’m adoptable Snow Crab! Just a quick New Year’s Eve heads-up that BARCS will be open from 10 AM to 3 PM, in case your plans include stopping by to meet a pup who could make the day a little brighter with an extra set of paws.

Now for the confetti-worthy part: today is the last day of BARCS’ annual Gift of Life program, and adoption fees are waived, giving pups like me one final chance to find a loving home. If your New Year’s resolution includes more joy, more laughs, and a few extra pawprints in your life, I just might be the perfect way to start the year right.🥂❤️

12/30/2025

Here’s Velvet (Radar 7) 🐶, a lovable, playful boy whose tail wags are contagious, loves belly rubs, squeaky toys, and exploring the world one trail at a time! Friendly and attentive, he walks well on leash, soaking in every sight and scent. Thriving in his foster home, Velvet is fully housebroken, and calm when left alone. If you’re looking for a smart, playful companion who loves adventure and cuddles, come meet Velvet at BARCS!

🐕 A Day in the Life of Velvet:

☀️ Morning Routine
Velvet starts his day bright and cheerful, ready for morning belly rubs and a stroll around the neighborhood. Every new scent and sound sparks his curiosity, making every walk a small adventure.

🏡 Midday at Home
Back home, Velvet enjoys a mix of playtime and relaxation. He loves tossing squeaky toys, rolling on his back, and showing off his power-chewer skills. When it’s time to rest, he confidently hops into his crate or snuggles next to his humans, soaking up pets and attention.

🏞️ Afternoon Adventures
Whether it’s more walks, outdoor play, or a Dog’s Day Out, Velvet remains focused, happy, and eager to explore. He’s clever, food-motivated, and already knows “sit” while learning “down” quickly. Gentle, playful interactions with other dogs go well once he’s comfortable, with a preference for friendly lady pups.

💖 Evening Chill
After a day full of exploration and fun, Velvet loves nothing more than curling up next to his people. Calm, confident, and affectionate, he’s the perfect companion for both active play and quiet downtime.

✨ Fun Fact
Velvet arrived with severe dermatitis that left a bit of baldness, but thanks to proper nutrition, supplements, and care, his coat is already growing back—he’s well on his way to a full glow-up!

Radar 7 is a BARCS VIP⭐, which means his adoption fees are always waived! To learn more about his personality and needs, check out his VIP profile by clicking here: https://www.barcs.org/vip-urgent-list

12/29/2025

Say hi to adoptable Caps Lock, a gentle giant with a goofy grin, a love for treats, and a PhD in puppy charm. Caps Lock has been described as affectionate, playful, curious, attentive, easygoing, and smart boy. He came to BARCS after being found alone and in need of care and shelter. At the shelter, Caps Lock has been a sweet, goofy giant who loves play, cuddles, and treats, and he’s now bringing that same charm to a loving temporary foster home. He’s dreaming of a family who will share plenty of cuddles, enjoy playful zoomies and toy time, and help him grow confident in a calm, steady home. If you’re looking for a big pup with a big heart, look no further than adorable Caps Lock!

Here are some tidbits about Caps Lock:

🐶 Caps Lock is 4 years old, 89 lbs.

✨ Caps Lock appears to be housetrained at the shelter and his foster home!

❤️ Caps Lock is full of affection and loves being close to his people, giving gentle kisses, cuddling up for belly rubs, and then switching gears to show off his playful, bouncy side.

🐕‍🦺 Caps Lock is making great progress on leash skills. He sometimes pulls, but he loves exploring, stays mostly calm around people and dogs, and responds quickly to guidance.

⭐ Caps Lock is a smart pup who’s highly food-motivated and eager to learn. He knows “sit,” is currently learning “down,” and is picking up new tricks quickly, especially when treats or his favorite toys are involved.

🧸 Caps Lock is playful and full of energy, loving zoomies and playtime with his favorite stuffed toys and ropes, but he also melts into cuddles and downtime, making him both fun and affectionate.

🐾 Caps Lock has met other pups at BARCS, and he is a gentle boy who does best with polite friends.

Caps Lock is currently enjoying life in a loving foster home. Email [email protected] to connect with his foster family, learn more, and schedule a time to meet him!

12/26/2025

Every animal who comes through our doors carries a story we may never fully know, yet each has the chance to find care, love, and a place to call home. Thomas’s journey reminds us that even the smallest beginnings can lead to the happiest of endings.

❤️ GIFT OF LIFE: Sweet Lemur, now Thomas, was found alone in a vacant house, unable to care for himself, a situation far too familiar for many animals who enter shelters. How he ended up there is unknown, but it was clear he needed help.

Thankfully, he was found before his health declined and brought to BARCS, where he could finally take a breath and begin a new chapter filled with safety, care, and the possibility of a loving family. It didn’t take long for his gentle, endearing personality to shine through to everyone who met him. That sweetness didn’t go unnoticed, and Lemur was given the second chance he had been waiting for. Like so many shelter animals, his Happy Tail was just getting started.

Recently, Lemur’s family sent us an update on how he’s doing, and it truly made our day. These Happy Tails are exactly why we do what we do—they remind us that every bit of care and effort matters. Let’s see how Lemur is enjoying life now:

“Merry Christmas from Thomas (formerly Lemur)! He’s adjusted so well and loves everything that Santa Paws brought him ♥️. Merry Christmas to the BARCS family 🎄”

From an empty house to a warm, joyful home, he’s thriving and spreading happiness to everyone around him. Stories like his are what keep us inspired at BARCS, and we couldn’t be happier to see him living his best life.

❤️ This holiday season, we've been given a lifesaving matching opportunity!

Our wonderful friends at PCI Service Company, a Division of Power and Combustion, Inc., along with their dogs Charlie and Luigi, have generously pledged to match all donations this winter dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 through December 31.

Help us give every animal a warm loving home for the holidays by donating $75 (or any amount you can give) to our annual Gift of Life Adoption program. Your year-end, tax-deductible gift will sponsor the adoption fee of an animal in our shelter. Your donations turn 'homeless' into home.

12/25/2025

🌟Wishing you and your furry friends a purrfect Christmas day! BARCS will be closed to the public today.

A heartfelt thank you to our staff and volunteers who are here today, ensuring the well-being of our cherished shelter animals. ❤️

Wishing you all a safe and joy-filled happy holiday!🎄✨

12/24/2025

❤️ Give the Gift of Life this holiday season! Adoption fees are waived for all adoptable animals as part of our annual Gift of Life program, helping adoptable shelter animals one step closer to a loving home and making it easier for adopters to welcome their new friends during this joyful season.

Welcoming a new friend brings year-round joy, from snuggles and purrs to tail wags that brighten every day. Here are just a few of the adorable faces hoping to find a loving home right now:

🐶 Name: Shabazz
Age/Weight: 8 years old, 53 lbs.
Tidbit: He is housetrained and does best with calm, tolerant dog pals.

🐱 Name: Princess
Age/Weight: 5 years old, 9 lbs.
Tidbit: Friendly girl who enjoys gentle pets and tasty treats.

🐶 Name: Ralphie
Age/Weight: 1 year old, 64 lbs.
Tidbit: Ralphie is playful and warms up to other dogs, best with tolerant friends.

🐶 Name: El Tigere
Age/Weight: 1 year old, 11 lbs.
Tidbit: He loves head scratches, flopping onto the floor, purring up a storm, and kneading the cutest biscuits.

🐶Name: Conan.
Age/Weight: 3 years old, 48 lbs
Tidbit: He’s housebroken, fine being left alone, and knows “sit”.

🐶 Name: Keyonee.
Age/Weight: 5 years old, 52 lbs.
Tidbit: Housetrained, she knows “sit,” takes treats politely, and loves learning and spending time with her people.

A loving friend is waiting just for you! 🐾✨

Come visit us at BARCS, 2490 Giles Rd. Adoption hours are Monday to Friday from 2 to 6 PM, and on weekends from 11 AM to 4 PM.

12/24/2025

✨🐾 Hi! It’s me, adoptable Pecan Pie! Just a quick holiday heads-up: BARCS will have Christmas Eve hours from 10 am to 3 pm.

Now for the really merry part. Thanks to BARCS’ annual Gift of Life program, adoption fees are waived for the rest of the month, giving shelter animals like me an extra-sweet chance to find loving homes. If this season has you wishing for a little more warmth, laughter, and paws in your life…well, I might know a few of us who are ready to make your holidays even sweeter. ❤️

12/23/2025

Earlier this month, a tiny kitten was discovered trapped inside machinery beneath a deck. He was cold, weak, and fighting to survive—with his sibling who had already passed away lying beside him. Time was running out.

Alfred, as we named him, was rushed to BARCS, his life hanging in the balance.

When he arrived at the shelter, our medical team immediately stepped in. He was suffering from a severe upper respiratory infection, painful conjunctivitis, and was dangerously underweight. His eyes were crusted shut. He was dehydrated, fragile, and barely had the strength to eat.

But we refused to give up on him.

With antibiotics, medication, eye ointment, and fluids, our team worked to stabilize him. At first, he showed no interest in food, so he was carefully monitored around the clock. Every small sign of progress mattered.

Soon after, he was placed with an experienced foster family where he could be surrounded by warmth, love, and the constant care he needed. Day by day, he grew stronger. After just a few days, he began eating on his own. A week later, his personality started to shine through as a playful and curious kitten.

Today, Baby Alfred is happy, healthy, and ready to be adopted into a loving family of his very own.

His story is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible—but it’s also just one of many.

Throughout the holiday season, animals like Alfred will continue to arrive at BARCS scared, sick, and in desperate need of help. We can’t save them without you. A gift to our Gift of Life program ensures that kittens like Alfred receive urgent medical care when they need it most—care that transforms fear into hope and gives them a future they never would have had otherwise.

Would you consider making a donation today in Alfred’s honor? Your generosity could mean the difference between life and loss for an animal who has no one else to turn to.

This holiday season, we've been given a lifesaving matching opportunity! Our wonderful friends at PCI Service Company, a Division of Power and Combustion, Inc., along with their dogs Charlie and Luigi, have generously pledged to match all donations this winter dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 through December 31.

If you haven't already made a gift to BARCS this holiday season, please consider supporting our mission to save Baltimore's shelter animals. Help us grant their wish by donating $75 (or any amount you can give) to sponsor the adoption fee of an animal in our shelter. Your donations turn 'homeless' into 'home'.

Give the Gift of Life: www.barcs.org/giftoflife

12/23/2025

🐶 Meet Eleanor Rigby, the kind of pup who greets the world with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a tail that seems to have its own agenda. She’s affectionate, playful without being chaotic, and very aware of the people she’s with. If you’re nearby, she wants to know what you’re up to.

Eleanor takes pride in her manners, especially when treats are involved. Her “sit” is solid, the kind that says she’s really trying to get it right, and she waits patiently even if you make her work for it. She leans into pets, accepts treats gently, and always seems pleased with herself when she’s done well.

On walks, Eleanor enjoys exploring while staying tuned in to her person, checking back in often and moving with purpose instead of pulling just to pull. In the yard, she truly is the happiest girl with her toys, shifting between playful bursts of energy and moments of focus, especially when a game of fetch is involved.

Eleanor has met other dogs at BARCS and shows interest in social play, though she can get a bit vocal or unsure at times. She’ll need to meet any potential doggie roommates to be sure everyone’s comfortable, and she’s eligible to return to BARCS for social sessions as she continues building confidence.

Eleanor Rigby is a BARCS VIP⭐, which means her adoption fees are always waived! To learn more about her personality and needs, check out her VIP profile by clicking here: https://www.barcs.org/vip-urgent-list

12/23/2025

Naya’s Happy Tail carries a warmth that lingers, a heartfelt reminder that your holiday generosity becomes more than a gift, offering care, healing, and the chance at a new beginning for an animal who needed it most.

❤️ GIFT OF LIFE: December is a special month for Naya—it marks her gotcha day and the start of her Happy Tail. Before that, she was found alone outside a police station. How she got there, or what her life had been like, we don’t know, but it was clear she needed care and shelter. When she arrived at BARCS, we named her Aglet. Even while navigating the challenges of shelter life and recovering from an ear infection, her sweet nature shone through, charming every volunteer and staff member she met and quickly winning hearts along the way.

Despite her adorable personality and her amazing ears, it took a month for Aglet to find her future family, and during that time she was resilient, affectionate, and full of hope, as were we, dreaming of the day she’d find the home she deserved. And now, without further ado, let’s hear from her parents:

“One year with Naya (Aglet at BARCS). She is such a love! Naya loves her ball, cuddles, her brother Ricky, and soaking up the sun. She’s been such a great addition to the family, and we are over the moon for her. 🩷🐶”

A year after her adoption, this update is a hopeful reminder of all the Happy Tails made possible through our Gift of Life program—and every day throughout the year—thanks to the generosity of our incredible community.

❤️This holiday season, we've been given a lifesaving matching opportunity!

Our wonderful friends at PCI Service Company, a Division of Power and Combustion, Inc., along with their dogs Charlie and Luigi, have generously pledged to match all donations this winter dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 through December 31.

Help us give every animal a warm loving home for the holidays by donating $75 (or any amount you can give) to our annual Gift of Life Adoption program. Your year-end, tax-deductible gift will sponsor the adoption fee of an animal in our shelter. Your donations turn 'homeless' into home.

BARCS Animal Shelter

01/01/2026

12/31/2025

12/31/2025

12/30/2025

12/29/2025

12/26/2025

12/25/2025

12/24/2025

12/24/2025

12/23/2025

12/23/2025

12/23/2025

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Monday	2pm - 6pm
Tuesday	2pm - 6pm
Wednesday	2pm - 6pm
Thursday	2pm - 6pm
Friday	2pm - 6pm
Saturday	11am - 4pm
Sunday	11am - 4pm