BARCS Animal Shelter

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.
(2939)

Hi there! Wednesdays are special at BARCS—adoption fees are waived for every animal in our care, whether they’re at the ...
09/17/2025

Hi there! Wednesdays are special at BARCS—adoption fees are waived for every animal in our care, whether they’re at the shelter, in foster homes, or offsite. If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a furry friend into your family, this is the perfect day to come adopt your new best friend!

❤️ Tuxley is a distinguished gentleman with a heart full of love. At 8 years old and 75 lbs, he strolls along trails with a calm, easygoing confidence, and he knows a solid “sit” when asked. Sweet and affectionate, Tuxley enjoys moving in close for hugs and gentle pets whenever you sit down with him. He seems to be housetrained and is polite with other dogs, especially small ones, though his true joy is spending time with his humans. Tuxley is ready to find someone to call his own.

BARCS is joining the ASPCA for The Rescue Effect! Every adoption opens space and resources for another animal in need. It’s a ripple effect: when you help one, you help many. That’s The Rescue Effect! 🐾

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

✨P.S. Want to boost your brand, support BARCS’ lifesaving work, and help more animals find loving homes? We’re looking for sponsors for our weekly Waived Fee Wednesday! Email [email protected]

Our cat kennels are full—and we’re running low on one of the most important supplies we use every single day: cardboard ...
09/16/2025

Our cat kennels are full—and we’re running low on one of the most important supplies we use every single day: cardboard box flats! 🧡 Your last round of donations made a huge difference, and we’re so grateful. But with so many kitties in our care, we’re already running through them fast and need your help again.

We use these cardboard flats—also called drink flats, box toppers, or beer trays—in every single cat enclosure as litter boxes. They may not look glamorous, but they’re a behind-the-scenes essential that keeps our cats clean and comfortable.

If your office, local store, or favorite brewery has extras, we’d be so grateful for a donation. And if you’re able to help regularly, even better—just send us an email at [email protected]

📍 Donations can be dropped off anytime at our front doors, under the overhang at 2490 Giles Road, Baltimore, MD 21225. Please note: our staff isn’t able to pick up boxes.

Thank you for helping us keep life clean and comfy for the kitties who need us most! 😻

Meet Hufflepup 🐶—a tiny bundle of joy with a big personality, endless curiosity, and a talent for turning zoomies and cu...
09/16/2025

Meet Hufflepup 🐶—a tiny bundle of joy with a big personality, endless curiosity, and a talent for turning zoomies and cuddles into pure magic! This petite sweetheart is full of funny little antics, loves snuggling up with her humans, and is always ready to explore new sights, smells, and adventures.

Hufflepup is a curious little explorer who loves sniffing every corner of the yard and taking in the world around her. She’s easy to leash, eager to head out, and while she might start off a bit jumpy on walks, she quickly settles into a nice rhythm. Polite and gentle with treats, she’s always happy to show off her “sit,” “down,” and “paw” before soaking up all the affection she can get.

Her goofy side comes out with toys—she’ll dash over to check them out, then head right back to her true love: sniffing! She also adores splashing in baby pools, and once she’s done exploring, she’s all about curling up in your lap for some serious cuddle time.

Hufflepup has also proven herself a star on adventures. On her Dog’s Day Out, she hopped into the car like a pro, savored a pup cup, and explored Ft. McHenry with endless enthusiasm. After adventuring, she stretched out in the grass with a bully stick, thrilled to share the fun with her humans. She was just as charming at a Ravens tailgate—making friends left and right, giving out kisses, and staying calm and easygoing around other dogs. And during a sleepover with a volunteer, she showed just how wonderful she is: smart, affectionate, and full of personality. She walked nicely on leash, stayed relaxed around new things, entertained herself with a nylabone, and even proved to be the perfect work-from-home buddy, napping by her human’s side.

At BARCS, Hufflepup has met other dogs but has shown she’ll shine brightest as the only pup in her forever home. She’s always welcome back for social sessions, but in her family, she’s ready to be the star.

Hufflepup 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

Meet Daphne 🐶, a sweet pup with a heart as big as her wag! She’s gentle, people-oriented, and once she feels safe, her p...
09/15/2025

Meet Daphne 🐶, a sweet pup with a heart as big as her wag! She’s gentle, people-oriented, and once she feels safe, her playful, affectionate side shines. Daphne has already won over adults, kids, and volunteers alike—with cuddles, kisses, and tail wags to spare. Let’s hear what she has to say!

🐕 Daphne, how would you say hi to a new friend?
I’m a gentle pup who loves people! I might hang back at first, but once I feel safe, I’m all about belly rubs, snuggles, and being close to my humans—I even had an overnight with a volunteer and was the snuggliest little guest!

💝 How do you show your affectionate side?
I love affection! I’ll curl up next to you, follow you around, and soak up pets and kisses—it makes me feel happy and safe.

🏡 What’s life like with you at home?
Pretty peaceful! I’m housetrained and well-mannered, and I settle in nicely whether I’m snoozing in my kennel or hanging out nearby. Inside, I’m calm and easygoing, but outside I’ve got plenty of playful energy—I love walks, sniffing new places, and sometimes just running and rolling in the grass.

🏞️ You’ve been on some Dog’s Day Out adventures. What were those like?
So much fun! I hopped in the car like a pro and loved exploring—campus, a bookstore, Starbucks, and Petco—making friends everywhere. I soaked up belly rubs, gave kisses, and showed off my “sit”. Volunteers called me loving, caring, and downright awesome—I’ll take it!

💗 What’s your dream home like?
One filled with love, of course! I’d be happiest in a home where I’m included—lounging, playing, going for walks, or soaking up the sun in the yard. I have so much love to give and can’t wait to share it with my family. I’ve got so much love to give, and I’m ready to share it with my family.

🐾 How do you do around other dogs?
I do well with polite, gentle friends—I’ve met both big and small pups and really seem to enjoy their company. I’d love a dog sibling who matches my gentle style. But cats? No thank you—I’d prefer a cat-free home.

Daphne 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

Hurry! Today is the final day to enter your pet’s photo in the 2026 BARCS Calendar Contest, presented by Jenner Law. The...
09/14/2025

Hurry! Today is the final day to enter your pet’s photo in the 2026 BARCS Calendar Contest, presented by Jenner Law. The submission window closes TONIGHT at midnight–don’t miss out!

Whether your furry friend is silly, stylish, or irresistibly adorable, now’s your chance to shine! Thirteen lucky pets (one for each month plus the cover) will be handpicked by our amazing BARCS volunteers and fosters. And guess what? We’re also sprinkling in honorable mentions throughout the calendar because, honestly, there’s no such thing as too much cuteness.

Even if you don't have a pet of your own, you can still join the fun by sponsoring a photo entry for one of our sweet BARCS shelter animals who deserve their moment in the spotlight.

🌟 Ready to make your pet a star? Submit your photo before the clock runs out!https://form.jotform.com/252156771161152

Meet adoptable Tuba, the handsome pup whose shy opening notes soon swell into a sweet, affectionate melody—especially wh...
09/12/2025

Meet adoptable Tuba, the handsome pup whose shy opening notes soon swell into a sweet, affectionate melody—especially when treats are on the stage! Though a little reserved at first, Tuba quickly blossoms into an affectionate, gentle, attentive, and smart companion. He came to BARCS after being found wandering alone in need of care and shelter, and since then he’s been stealing hearts—warming up with treats, showing off his smarts, and leaning in for love once he feels comfortable. Now, Tuba is ready to play his happiest tune yet in a loving home. If this adorable boy sounds like your kind of pup, come meet Tuba at BARCS and see if he’s the harmony you’ve been missing!

Here are some tidbits about Tuba:

🐶 Tuba is 3 years old, 70 lbs.

✨ Tuba appears housetrained at the shelter!

❤️ Tuba has been described as gentle and sweet in his affection—once he feels at ease, he leans in for pets, stays close to his humans, and reveals a warm, tender side that makes his initial shyness fade away.

🐕‍🦺 Tuba has been reported to walk nicely on leash—he stays attentive to his handler, follows cues well, and enjoys exploring while keeping a calm, steady pace.

⭐ Tuba is a smart pup—he already knows commands like ‘sit,’ ‘down,’ and ‘paw,’ and he enjoys learning; with guidance and training, he can pick up even more.

🐾 Tuba has met other pups at BARCS and is social and playful with his dog pals.

If Tuba has captured your heart or if you're looking for a different furry friend, come visit us at BARCS! We’re located at 2490 Giles Rd, with adoption hours Monday to Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and on weekends from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, BARCS has been able to provide medical care to hundreds of animals...
09/12/2025

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 Anne Arundel Veterinary Hospital. The care provided by the AAVH team has touched the lives of countless BARCS animals, including Tiffany, who received urgent treatment, all made possible by the incredible generosity of our amazing Franky Fund partner.

Tiffany came to BARCS through no fault of her own, arriving with concerning health issues and blood noted around her hind area for a while. Though nervous, she allowed our team to complete her initial veterinary evaluation, which revealed that the source of the blood was urine caused by bladder stones. These stones had not only caused her discomfort but also led to weight loss. While medication was provided to keep her comfortable, it was clear that she would need a cystotomy—surgery to remove the bladder stones—along with analysis to determine why they had formed. Tiffany was then transferred to one of our caring Franky Fund partners, where she could receive the care she needed to restore her health and quality of life.

Once under the care of the AAVH team, Tiffany had bloodwork done to prepare for her surgery. She then underwent bladder stone removal, with two stones removed and culture swabs taken to better understand the cause. The surgery was a success, confirmed by x-rays showing no stones remaining. When Tiffany returned to BARCS, she was sporting her e-collar but already feeling much more comfortable and at ease in her own body.

Tiffany is back at BARCS and ready to find her loving home. This sweet kitty has so much affection to share and is patiently waiting for that special someone to come and shower her with love.

Thank you to Anne Arundel Veterinary Hospital 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 Tiffany by giving to our Franky Fund.

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

🌞 Sunshine, snuggles, and wagging tails await! 🐾 This Saturday, September 6, from 12–4 PM, swing by THE AVENUE at White ...
09/11/2025

🌞 Sunshine, snuggles, and wagging tails await! 🐾 This Saturday, September 6, from 12–4 PM, swing by THE AVENUE at White Marsh for the Summer of Love Pop-up Adoption Store event. Meet adorable adoptables, enjoy the fresh air, and share in tail wags, happy purrs, and all the smiles you can handle. 💛

Good vibes and second chances are in the air! This summer, BARCS, Maryland SPCA, Baltimore Humane Society, Baltimore County Animal Services, and The Humane Society of Harford County are teaming up to help pets find loving homes. 💕 Meet your new best friend at the Summer of Love Pet Adoption Store, brought to you by Tito's Handmade Vodka!

📍 The pop-up is located at 8139 Honeygo Blvd, Suite D, Nottingham, MD 21236—right between Bandito’s and Bar Louie in the main plaza on the turf, where all the summer fun happens!

Meet adoptable Tidbit (Gucci), a cheerful goofball who races through the yard, chases toys with playful joy, and never m...
09/11/2025

Meet adoptable Tidbit (Gucci), a cheerful goofball who races through the yard, chases toys with playful joy, and never misses a chance to shower his people with love and tail wags. Described as happy, affectionate, attentive, playful, active, curious, and smart, Tidbit came to BARCS after being found wandering on his own and in need of care. At the shelter, he’s been a bright, energetic pup—soaking up affection, showing off his zoomies, and eagerly engaging with both human and doggie friends. Tidbit is ready to bring joy and love to a new home, asking only for your care and attention in return. Could Tidbit be the one for you? Come meet him at BARCS!

Here are some highlights about Tidbit (Gucci):

🐶 Tidbit is 3 years old, 58 lbs.

✨ Tidbit appears housetrained at the shelter!

❤️ Tidbit is a total sweetheart—he showers his humans with tail wags, leans right in for pets, and happily soaks up every bit of attention, returning it with gentle nudges and his playful, loving energy.

🐕‍🦺 Tidbit has been reported to walk well on leash, trotting along with bright eyes and a wagging tail, curious about every scent and sight while happily keeping an eye on his human.

⭐ Tidbit is a smart pup—he already knows “sit” and is learning “drop it”. Treats are his favorite motivator, and he’s always happy to try new tricks at his own pace, making training a fun experience.

🧸 Tidbit is a playful little goof—he loves chasing toys, showing off zoomies in the yard.

🐾 Tidbit has met other pups at BARCS and can get a bit uncomfortable around some dogs, so he does best with gentle, easygoing friends. He’ll need to meet any potential canine roommates to ensure they’re a good match.

If Tidbit (Gucci) has captured your heart or if you're looking for a different furry friend, come visit us at BARCS! We’re located at 2490 Giles Rd, with adoption hours Monday to Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and on weekends from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

On Monday afternoon, Baltimore City Animal Control responded to an urgent call about a 5-month-old puppy in critical con...
09/10/2025

On Monday afternoon, Baltimore City Animal Control responded to an urgent call about a 5-month-old puppy in critical condition. When officers arrived, they found baby Nugget—frail, underweight, and dangerously weak.

Nugget was rushed to BARCS, where our veterinary team immediately assessed his condition. At just a 1/9 on the body condition scale, his fragile frame revealed every bone beneath his skin. He was severely dehydrated and showed troubling signs of possible neurological damage. Our team had to act quickly—not just to stabilize him, but to determine whether his symptoms were caused by starvation, disease, or injury.

Due to the seriousness of Nugget’s condition, he was transferred to one of our partner veterinary hospitals for emergency care. There, a foreign object was discovered lodged in his intestines, preventing him from digesting food or absorbing nutrients. Without immediate surgery, Nugget would not survive. The procedure was high-risk given his fragile state, but thanks to the skill and dedication of the veterinary team, Nugget pulled through.

Today, Nugget is back at BARCS, on the path to recovery. He will soon move to a loving foster home, where he can safely gain weight and regain his strength. Despite all that he has been through, Nugget’s spirit remains unbroken. His tail continues to wag with hope, his eyes bright with the promise of a better future.

At BARCS, every day brings new challenges. Our shelter is stretched to its limits, yet we open our doors to over 30 animals each day. These animals depend on us for food, shelter, lifesaving medical care, and most of all, a second chance.

This is why BARCStoberfest matters. It’s more than a fundraiser—it’s a lifeline for animals like Nugget. This year, we urgently need to raise $375,000 to provide critical care and support for thousands of vulnerable animals in our community. Your support can make all the difference.

Will you help Nugget and countless others by making a one-time gift or becoming a monthly donor? Your generosity fuels the care that gives these animals a future.

Please donate to save lives today: https://www.barcstoberfest.org/

Hey there! Guess what we've got cooking every Wednesday? An extra dose of joy! We're waiving adoption fees for all our a...
09/10/2025

Hey there! Guess what we've got cooking every Wednesday? An extra dose of joy! We're waiving adoption fees for all our adorable pals, whether they're at the shelter, cozy in foster homes, or chilling at offsite spots. It's the perfect hump-day to bring home your new best friend❣️

❤️Chimichanga is a sweet, easygoing girl who makes even a simple walk feel special. She strolls by your side with confidence and curiosity and gladly leans in for gentle scratches and pets. Smart and attentive, she knows her basics—she can show off a perfect “sit” or offer her “paw” on cue. While she prefers polite dog pals, her true love is spending time with her humans, soaking up attention and affectionate moments. Chimichanga is ready to find someone to call her own.

BARCS is joining the ASPCA for The Rescue Effect! Every adoption opens space and resources for another animal in need. It’s a ripple effect: when you help one, you help many. That’s The Rescue Effect.

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

✨P.S. Want to boost your brand, support BARCS’ lifesaving work, and help more animals find loving homes? We’re looking for sponsors for our weekly Waived Fee Wednesday! Email [email protected]

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

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:

Share