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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

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BARCS Animal Shelter

Welcome to the official page for the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) 501(c)3. BARCS offers several programs to support our community.
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View them at https://barcs.org/programs/

01/10/2025

Princess left the shelter yesterday and is settling into her foster home, already enjoying the comfort of her favorite stuffies! She’s completely smitten with her foster mom, and you can see the gratitude and affection in the way she gazes at her. Princess is so happy to be out of the kennel, and we’re beyond grateful for our foster families who provide a warm and loving environment while waiting for animals like her to find their own special place to call home. ❤️

✨Thinking about fostering? Visit this link to learn how you can make a difference by offering a shelter animal a safe, loving space: https://www.barcs.org/foster

01/10/2025

That's right, we have adoptable PUPPIES coming to the BARCS'lorette Party, Sponsored by ProMD ToxBar on Sunday! 🐶

The remaining puppy of the Dreidel litter is still looking for a family of his own along with three puppies from the Cork litter. Join us at Checkerspot Brewing Company from 2-5pm to celebrate the bride-to-be, Ginny, and maybe adopt a squishy little puppy, too.

Tickets for the event are $12 and includes your first beverage, one raffle entry and access to a selection of drool-worthy vendors, "Tay Tay" sing-a-long, friendship bracelet making, doggie costume contest and more!

See you there! 🐾 https://tinyurl.com/u7zrf5f2

01/10/2025

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, BARCS has been able to provide medical care to hundreds of animals each year through the Franky Fund. A pivotal factor in achieving this has been our partnerships with local veterinary hospitals and clinics. BARCS is so grateful for these partnerships, as they play a significant role in saving the lives of thousands of homeless shelter animals in need of emergency and specialized medical attention.

This week, our heartfelt thanks go out to the wonderful team at Liberty Animal Clinic. The care provided by the LAC team has touched the lives of countless BARCS animals, including Herald, who received urgent treatment, all made possible by the incredible generosity of our amazing Franky Fund partner.

Poor sweet Herald came to BARCS after being found alone and in distress on the streets by Baltimore City Animal Control officers. During his intake evaluation, he was diagnosed with a middle ear infection and found to be severely emaciated, with his entire body covered in severely matted fur. The matting, caked with old f***s, caused significant discomfort and made going potty a painful ordeal, as it prevented stool from passing properly. Herald was started on antibiotics for his infection and placed on a feeding plan to help him regain weight, but the severity of his matting required sedation to safely remove the fur and allow for a more thorough assessment of his condition. To ensure he received the specialized care he needed, Herald was sent to our incredible Franky Fund partner to continue his journey to recovery.

Under the care of the LAC team, Herald, ever sweet and friendly, was sedated for x-rays, a full-body shave, and a medicated bath to soothe his irritated skin. With the matted fur gone, his weight dropped from 31 pounds to just 25, showing how much the fur had been weighing him down. Thankfully, the shave allowed him to potty normally again. Herald returned to BARCS with a care plan and a much brighter attitude, clearly feeling lighter and happier!

Back at the shelter, Herald proved to be a sweet and patient boy as he continued his recovery. It wasn’t long before he found a loving home, and we couldn’t be happier for him! Wishing Herald and his new family a lifetime of joy and happiness together!

Thank you to Liberty Animal Clinic for all of the love and care you give to the BARCS animals who come through your doors!

We would not be able to do what we do without them—and without YOU, our Franky Fund donors. This program relies completely on private donations. Please help us always be ready to save animals like Herald by giving to our Franky Fund.

You can donate on this link https://www.barcs.org/franky-fund

01/09/2025

The big day is just a few weeks away, and limited tickets are still available! If you've been thinking about celebrating with Ginny and Keith, this is your sign to reserve your seats before they sell out.

The Fourth Annual BARCS Dog Wedding will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in the Grand Ballroom of the Lord Baltimore Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland.

This event is all-inclusive and includes a cocktail hour sponsored by Cyndi Kuhn, State Farm Agent, open bar, ceremony wedding pawty sponsored by HomeWell Care Services of Towson, dinner provided by Blue Pit BBQ & Whiskey Bar, wedding cake, music, photo booth, dancing... heck, all the fun and events you expect at a human wedding (...but without the extended relatives *wink*).

Ceremony Floor Individual Guest Ticket: $160
Ceremony Floor Reserved Table for 10 Guests: $1,600

Reserve your spot today! https://barcswedding.org/rsvp

01/08/2025

A BIG thank you to all of our amazing volunteers❣️Your dedication, kindness, and hard work make a world of difference in the lives of BARCS animals.

This reel, created by one of our wonderful volunteers, offers a glimpse into the incredible kindness and generosity our volunteers show to our shelter animals every day. We are so grateful for the time, energy, and love you give, and the lasting impact you have on our shelter residents. Truly, we couldn’t do it without you.❤️🐾

Ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer at BARCS? Whether you're passionate about animal care, event support, or helping behind the scenes, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities that make a real difference. Learn more here: https://www.barcs.org/volunteer

01/08/2025

Did you know?🐾Wednesdays are feel-good days at BARCS because adoption fees are always waived for our amazing animals. Whether they’re waiting at the shelter, relaxing in foster homes, showing off at adoption events, your future furry friend is ready to meet you!

❤️The adorable pup in this post is Ford! He’s currently at BARCS, patiently waiting for a loving home to call his own.

BARCS, located at 2490 Giles Rd. in Baltimore, is open for adoptions from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends.

**All regular adoption procedures still apply. Baltimore City residents are responsible for a $10 pet licensing fee.

✨P.S. Is your organization looking for an easy way to build brand awareness, support BARCS' lifesaving work AND help more animals find loving homes? We're seeking sponsors for our weekly Waived Fee Wednesday adoption special! For more information, please email [email protected].

01/07/2025

A huge shoutout to our amazing snow crew! ❄️ If you’ve been following us on social media, you know our shelter was closed Monday due to the snowstorm. But some of our dedicated team volunteered to stay overnight to care for our pups, kitties, and other furry residents. Thanks to our community’s generosity, we were able to reduce the number of animals in the shelter, but our staff still braved the cold to make sure the remaining animals were safe and loved. We can’t thank them enough for their hard work and commitment!

It’s acts of kindness like these that keep us going, and we couldn’t be more thankful for everyone who helped make this possible – you make a world of difference! 💙🐶🐱🐹

01/07/2025

Bastian is an absolute sweetheart with a dreamy, gentle personality that will steal your heart. Everyone who meets him can’t help but rave about how cuddly and affectionate he is. He’s on the hunt for a loving home where he can be your best friend and loyal companion, bringing all the love and snuggles you could ask for!

He’s the ultimate snuggle buddy, always ready to lean in for some love and attention. His sweet, affectionate nature will steal your heart, and before you know it, you’ll be wrapped up in his soft, warm snuggles. Whenever you sit down, he’ll nuzzle right up to your leg, letting you know it’s time for pets.

Bastian is a great walking buddy who loves using his harness and is a good leash walker. He may notice other pups on walks, but he’s attentive to you and can be redirected. While he might need a little patience with his balance, he’s always ready to show appreciation for your affection. Bastian has met other dogs at the shelter and is gentle with them, though he can get overwhelmed. He does best with polite playmates who can give him space and respect his cues. He’d love to meet any potential dog roommates to ensure they’re a good match. Plus, he’s eligible for social sessions at BARCS after adoption.

Bastian is a chill guy who’s great in the car, so he’d be a perfect road trip buddy or errand partner. He’s super gentle, but because his balance isn’t the best, he appreciates taking things slow. If you’re patient with him, he’ll repay you with all the sweetness and cuddles you could ask for.

Bastian 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

01/06/2025

**Due to Inclement Weather, BARCS is Closed Today (1/6/25)**

For the safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors, BARCS will be closed to the public today. Our team is still on-site providing care for the animals.

If you have an urgent animal-related matter, please contact Baltimore City Animal Control by dialing 311.

Stay safe and warm!

01/06/2025

Haze’s foster reports that she’s absolutely loving the heated blanket at her snow day slumber party! Haze is one of *forty*—yes, 40!—pups who went to emergency foster homes today ahead of the storm.

We’re so grateful to everyone who came down to help us reduce the number of dogs in the shelter, ensuring that our small emergency snow crew can better manage the care and cleaning of the animals tomorrow. A special thank-you to our incredible staff who stayed late to make this possible, and to the volunteers who supported us throughout the day.

Baltimore, your compassion never fails to amaze us! Happy snow day! ❄️🩵

01/05/2025

❄️ 🐾 Snow Day Puppy Sleepovers: A big snowstorm is heading toward Baltimore, and we’re looking for **emergency fosters** to host a pup for a snowy sleepover—no long-term commitment, just until at least Wednesday (pending weather conditions).

🕚 Pickup: Today (1/5), 11AM - 3:30PM
📍 Where: BARCS (2490 Giles Road, Baltimore, MD 21225)

Our emergency crew will be at the shelter tomorrow, but with a small team, we need to send as many dogs as possible into temporary homes. We’ll help you find the perfect cuddle buddy for your snowy slumber party!

So, grab your blankets, snacks and head over to meet your furry guest. Let’s make this snow day a special moment for our homeless dogs to feel safe.

——

FAQ UPDATE @ 1PM:

❄️Separation from Resident Pets❄️
For the safety of all animals, our shelter dogs must stay completely separated from resident pets during their foster stay. Acclimating animals takes more than just a few days, and introducing a new dog to your pets can cause stress and lead to safety concerns. We also ask that you do not introduce foster dogs to resident cats. While we understand that containing a cat can be trickier, following the separation policy is crucial to prevent unnecessary returns and emergencies tomorrow.

❄️Crates and Supplies❄️
Yes, we have some crates and supplies available while supplies last. These are donated, so we can’t guarantee availability. We encourage you to come early or ask friends and family if they have a crate you can borrow.

❄️Can I Bring My Resident Pets for Meet-and-Greets?❄️
No, for this emergency situation, we are not conducting meet-and-greets between foster dogs and resident pets. It’s our policy to keep foster dogs separated from owned animals during their stay to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.

❄️Can I Call or Email with Questions?❄️
Our phone lines are tied up, and our small but mighty foster team is onsite matching pets with fosters. They won’t be able to answer calls or emails today. If you’re able to foster, please come directly to the shelter **before 3:30 PM** so we can match you with a pet that fits your household.

❄️Are Cats Eligible for the Emergency Foster Program?❄️
Yes, we do have cats available for fostering! However, we ask that cat fosters be prepared to keep their kitty guests longer than Wednesday, as cats typically need more time to adjust to a new environment. Cats may initially hide or act shy while acclimating, so providing a quiet, separate space in the home helps them feel safe.

❄️Can I Fill Out the Foster Information Form in Advance?❄️
Yes! To help speed up the process, you can fill out the foster information form online before arriving. If you prefer, we also have copies available at the shelter. https://form.jotform.com/201976115036048

GENERAL FOSTERING INFO: https://www.barcs.org/foster

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to get as many pets as possible into temporary homes before the storm hits. We couldn’t do this without your support! 💙

01/03/2025

BARCS is able to provide life-saving medical care to hundreds of animals each year through the Franky Fund, thanks to the amazing kindness and support of our community. At the heart of this efforts are our incredible partnerships with local veterinary clinics and hospitals, whose dedication saves the lives of countless homeless shelter animals in need of emergency and specialized care. We’re so deeply grateful for these wonderful partnerships!

This week, our heartfelt thanks go out to the wonderful team at Veterinary Emergency Group. The care provided by the EVG team has touched the lives of countless BARCS animals, including Luna, who received urgent treatment, all made possible by the incredible generosity of our amazing Franky Fund partner.

Sweet Luna arrived at BARCS after being brought in by Baltimore City Animal Control from a devastating house fire that left her homeless. Despite her ordeal, she was lucky to have made it out alive. During her initial intake, coughing was noted, raising concerns about possible smoke inhalation and the associated risks. Luna was immediately bathed to remove the soot and smoke from her fur, helping her feel more comfortable. However, due to the potential for respiratory distress or corneal burns, she needed overnight monitoring. At this point, the decision was made to send Luna to our wonderful Franky Fund partner for further care.

Luna was sweet and cooperative during her time at VEG, where their team provided exceptional care. They kept her comfortable, monitored her closely, and administered nebulizations to support her airways and lungs. Thankfully, Luna experienced no complications during her stay. Once she was stable and ready, she was discharged into a loving foster home arranged by our amazing foster team to support her recovery.

Fast forward to today, and Luna is not only doing much better, but she has also found a loving home of her own. We couldn’t be happier for her!

Thank you Veterinary Emergency Group for your prompt aid of an animal in need and for all of the love and care you give to the BARCS animals who come through your doors!💙🐾

We would not be able to do what we do without them—and without YOU, our Franky Fund donors. This program relies completely on private donations. Please help us always be ready to save animals like Luna by giving to our Franky Fund.

You can donate on the donate button on this post or through this link: https://www.barcs.org/franky-fund

01/03/2025

IMPORTANT UPDATE: This month's low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic, scheduled for tomorrow, January 4 is CANCELED due to freezing temperatures. The clinic will resume on Saturday, February 1. Thank you for your understanding!

01/02/2025

Engagement, BARCS’lorette, BARCS’lor… Just like a human wedding, our four-legged couple has all the pre-wedding festivities planned too! Join us for one, or both, of the lead-up events to the 2025 pup-tials. (You are not required to have tickets to the dog wedding to attend these events.)

BARCS'lorette Party: Saturday, January 11 at 2PM ✨

The BARCS'lorette Party, sponsored by ProMD ToxBar, at Checkerspot Brewing is for the Swifties this year! Come celebrate Ginny, our doggie bride-to-be, with a furbulous pawty. Ticket includes your first beverage and access to a selection of drool-worthy vendors, "Tay Tay" sing-a-long, friendship bracelet making, doggie costume contest and MORE. (If you plan to bring your pup along, please select the ticket option "With Dog")

BARCS'lor Party: Friday, January 24 at 6PM 😎

Join us on January 24 for the BARCS'lor Party at Blue Pit BBQ! We're going to raise the "woof" for the groom-to-be, Keith. Prepare to "bring down the house" with the groom himself. Ticket includes your first drink and one raffle ticket. In addition to specialty cocktails from Tito's and Sagamore, Whiskey Lovers, we will also be hosting a whiskey raffle AND Sagamore Spirits Tasting.

Reserve your spot here: https://funraise.org/give/Baltimore-Animal-Rescue-and-Care-Shelter-(BARCS)/a4d85d48-00e5-4390-8a15-5735ef43e744/

01/01/2025

✨Happy New Year! Thank you for being an incredible part of our 2024 journey—we couldn’t do it without you. Here’s to even more wagging tails and purring hearts in 2025!

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

A special thank you to our amazing staff and volunteers who are caring for the animals at BARCS—you’re the heart of everything we do. ❤️🐾

12/31/2024

GIFT OF LIFE: Two weeks ago, Topaz arrived at BARCS after someone found her curled up in an alley, seemingly in shock. She was emaciated with gunky eyes and, understandably, fearful of her rescuer.

Once at the shelter, our veterinary team assessed sweet Topaz and determined that her body condition score was only a 2 out of 9–her bones were visible through her skin, and she had pressure sores on her pelvic bone prominences. She was also dehydrated, had mild gingivitis and periodontal disease, and had fly strikes on her ears.

Topaz was given the care she desperately needed, including multiple medications. She was also placed on a strict feeding schedule to support her safe and healthy weight gain. Though she was weak and nervous, Topaz was friendly and cooperative with our staff and volunteers from the beginning, leaning her head into gentle scritches and coos of “who’s a good girl?”

Topaz has been steadily improving each day since she entered BARCS. Currently, she is residing in a loving foster home, where she enjoys snuggling up on the sofa and is closely monitored by her foster family. Once she starts bonding with you, she will happily be your loyal shadow and follow you everywhere. She’s particularly fond of her foster mom and has a special bond with the family’s 3-year-old daughter, often sitting close and cuddling during quiet moments. Topaz still has a long road ahead to full health, but we are confident that she will find a home of her very own soon.

Every month, BARCS takes in nearly 1,000 homeless, neglected and abused animals. Each and every one needs the kindness of a special guardian who has pledged to lovingly donate for their care. Signing up as a Constant Companion and making a recurring monthly gift throughout the year, means you are truly saving lives. You’ll ensure we have the resources to give homeless animals like Topaz food, shelter, medical care and the loving home they deserve.

Our Constant Companions give that promise. This year 12,000 animals will get a second chance thanks to friends like you.

Wonderful friends of BARCS, Board Member Janice Silvers and Paul Bekman, have generously pledged to match all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000 through TONIGHT, December 31 at 11:59 p.m.

If you haven't already made a gift to BARCS this holiday season, please consider supporting our mission to save Baltimore's shelter animals. Your donations turn 'homeless' into ‘home.’

Help us grant their wish this holiday season by donating $75 (or any amount you can give) to the Gift of Life annual holiday adoption program. Your year-end, tax-deductible gift will sponsor the adoption fee of an animal in our shelter and send them home.

Pledge a monthly gift: https://www.barcs.org/giftoflife

Address

2490 Giles Road
Baltimore, MD
21225

Opening Hours

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

Website

http://barcs.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when BARCS Animal Shelter posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to BARCS Animal Shelter:

Videos

A BIG thank you to all of our amazing volunteers❣️Your dedication, kindness, and hard work make a world of difference in the lives of BARCS animals. This reel, created by one of our wonderful volunteers, offers a glimpse into the incredible kindness and generosity our volunteers show to our shelter animals every day. We are so grateful for the time, energy, and love you give, and the lasting impact you have on our shelter residents. Truly, we couldn’t do it without you.❤️🐾 Ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer at BARCS? Whether you're passionate about animal care, event support, or helping behind the scenes, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities that make a real difference. Learn more here: https://www.barcs.org/volunteer

A huge shoutout to our amazing snow crew! ❄️ If you’ve been following us on social media, you know our shelter was closed Monday due to the snowstorm. But some of our dedicated team volunteered to stay overnight to care for our pups, kitties, and other furry residents. Thanks to our community’s generosity, we were able to reduce the number of animals in the shelter, but our staff still braved the cold to make sure the remaining animals were safe and loved. We can’t thank them enough for their hard work and commitment! It’s acts of kindness like these that keep us going, and we couldn’t be more thankful for everyone who helped make this possible – you make a world of difference! 💙🐶🐱🐹

Chirping Broadway

Bough

Moon

We’re LIVE here at the shelter to share a special Thanksgiving treat with our animals! Please consider making a donation to help provide enrichment for our animals all year round ❤️

Let's get this pet a home!!

Let's get this pet a home!! Find out more at barcs.org

Pupperoni

Phantasm

BARCS Animal Shelter

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