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.
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Introducing adoptable Caipirinha, a bundle of wiggles and snuggles who radiates happiness with every paw tap and turns c...
01/14/2026

Introducing adoptable Caipirinha, a bundle of wiggles and snuggles who radiates happiness with every paw tap and turns couch time into cozy cuddle sessions. She’s been described as a timid pup who blossoms into affectionate, gentle, joyful, and smart company. Caipirinha came to BARCS after being found alone and in need of care. At the shelter, she greets people with polite curiosity, gradually showing her wagging tail and playful wiggles. She’s looking for a home that lets her shine at her own pace and a person who’ll celebrate every wiggle, tail wag, and paw-for-more-affection moment. If sweet Caipirinha sounds like the pup you’ve been hoping for, come to BARCS and meet her!

Here are some tidbits about Caipirinha:

🐶 Caipirinha is 2 years old, 49 lbs.

✨ Caipirinha appears housetrained at the shelter!

❤️ Though shy at first, Caipirinha showers affection with gentle pawing, couch snuggles, and tail-wagging wiggles, showing her love in every cozy moment with her people.

🐕‍🦺 Caipirinha has been noted to be an eager, happy walker who wags her tail the whole time, trots along curiously sniffing and exploring, and sticks politely by your side, especially when treats are involved.

⭐ Caipirinha is smart and eager to please—she already knows “sit” and responds enthusiastically to praise, showing her joy with happy wiggles and tail wags.

🥎 Caipirinha has a gentle, affectionate playfulness, enjoying cuddle sessions, chew toys, and interactive moments with her humans.

🐾 Caipirinha has met other pups at BARCS and would like to meet any potential doggie roommates, as she prefers gentle dog companions.

If Caipirinha has captured your heart or you’re looking for another furry friend, 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.

Hey there! 🐾 This Wednesday, adoption fees are waived for all our adoptable friends thanks to Urgent VET Care! From play...
01/14/2026

Hey there! 🐾 This Wednesday, adoption fees are waived for all our adoptable friends thanks to Urgent VET Care! From playful pups to snuggly kitties, our furry pals—at the shelter, in foster homes, or offsite—are ready to meet you. ❤️

Stop by BARCS at 2490 Giles Road in Baltimore and see who steals your heart!

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

🐱 Meet adoptable Sushi Showdown, a little ball of fluff who loves to purr, snuggle, and turn every moment into a mix of ...
01/13/2026

🐱 Meet adoptable Sushi Showdown, a little ball of fluff who loves to purr, snuggle, and turn every moment into a mix of playtime and lap time. At 3 years old and 6 lbs, she’s been described as affectionate, playful, and full of personality—happiest when snuggling close, purring loudly, or chasing her favorite laser mouse and darting through her toy tunnel. Treats are the fastest way to her heart, especially chicken and fish, and she’s quick to show love with gentle kneading and cozy snuggles once she trusts you.

💖 Sushi Showdown came to BARCS due to no fault of her own and is currently thriving in a loving foster home. She has good litter habits and would do best in a home where she can enjoy both play and affection at her own pace. If you’re looking for a cuddly, playful companion who brings warmth, purrs, and a little mischief wherever she goes, Sushi Showdown might be the perfect match for you.

Ready to meet this affectionate, playful girl? Fill out an online foster adoption application or email [email protected] to connect with her foster family and see if Sushi Showdown is the cuddly, mischievous companion you’ve been waiting for!

Meet Draco 🐶, a sunny, tail-wagging bundle of joy who’s part playful goofball and part snuggle enthusiast, ready to brin...
01/13/2026

Meet Draco 🐶, a sunny, tail-wagging bundle of joy who’s part playful goofball and part snuggle enthusiast, ready to bring energy, fun, and love to the people who win his heart. He adores toys, treats, games, runs, walks, and even bath time, always flashing a smile that matches his sunny personality. An active, happy pup, Draco truly thrives when he’s right alongside his people.

When the excitement settles, Draco shows his softer side. He’s a total sweetheart who loves sitting next to you on the bench, resting his big head on your shoulder, and soaking up every bit of attention he can get.

Draco is a confident, handsome pup who is already showing off a solid “sit” and appears to be house-trained. He’s comfortable relaxing, sleeping, or entertaining himself with toys in his crate, giving him a strong foundation for life in a home, and he continues to build confidence each day.

He also has an athletic streak and has even mastered agility, clearly enjoying the chance to show off his skills in the play yard.

Draco had a fantastic Dog’s Day Out, offering a wonderful glimpse of who he is beyond the shelter. He loved riding with his head out the car window, exploring Fells Point on a walk, and playing enthusiastically with his toys at home. Once he felt comfortable, he curled up for a peaceful nap and enjoyed the calm of a home environment. Gentle with treats and eager to please, he listened well and responded positively to guidance. While strong and still polishing his leash skills, his playful, curious, and affectionate personality truly shone.

Overall, Draco thrived in a home setting and was an absolute joy to spend the day with. Playful and affectionate, he’s ready for a family who will guide him with love and structure. If you’re looking for a big-hearted, fun-loving companion, Draco could be your match.

Draco is great with other pets and kids. He’s been reported to have lived with both cats and dogs and has shown a gentle, appropriate demeanor around young children under five.

At BARCS, Draco has met other pups and may take a little time to warm up before showing his playful side. He’s done well with small dogs and would benefit from a meet-and-greet with any potential canine siblings to ensure everyone is a good fit.

Draco 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

Say hi to Butterfly Bow 🐶, a joyful bundle of energy with a heart full of cuddles who loves zooming through agility cour...
01/12/2026

Say hi to Butterfly Bow 🐶, a joyful bundle of energy with a heart full of cuddles who loves zooming through agility courses, tossing her favorite toys, and snuggling close for all the pets and belly rubs she can get.

She is pure heart—adoring leaning in for pets, curling up beside you, and sharing every bit of snuggle she can muster, a little lap dog with a giant dose of love. Affectionate and playful, treats really light her up, and she will happily wag her tail with joy when given a good b***y scratch.

Butterfly Bow is a quick study with a gentle, loving personality—she already knows “sit,” loves earning treats, and appears to be housebroken at the shelter. She walks well on leash and, while she may get a little excited by squirrels at first, she quickly settles and refocuses on you, showing steady progress with her leash manners.

An energetic girl at heart, she loves her toys, happily tossing and chasing them around, and she also has a blast on the agility equipment. Her recent Dogs Day Out adventure highlighted just how wonderful she can be in a home-like setting. She would be a loving companion for someone seeking an affectionate pup who enjoys both snuggles and walks and is eager to keep learning with a patient, caring adopter.

Butterfly Bow has met other pups at BARCS and is playful and rowdy with her friends. She may need to meet any potential doggie roommates to ensure they’re a good match.

Butterfly Bow 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

🍺🐾 Sip, socialize, and meet your new furry best friend at Tails on Tap at Falling Branch Brewery! This Saturday from 12–...
01/09/2026

🍺🐾 Sip, socialize, and meet your new furry best friend at Tails on Tap at Falling Branch Brewery! This Saturday from 12–4 PM, some of our sweetest dogs and cats available for adoption will be ready to share tail wags, head boops, and plenty of love. Stop by the BFF Waggin’ and swing past the BARCS merch and info table to learn more about the lifesaving work happening every day. Rain? No problem! There is a heated barn to enjoy along with the adoptable kitties. Come for the drinks, stay for the cuddles—you just might find your perfect match!

Plus, adoption fees are WAIVED at the event! There's no better time to adopt your new BFF. ❤

Here are just a few of the adoptable animals coming to the event, in photo order:

🐶 Pecan Pie
Age: 2 years old
Weight: 53 lbs.
Highlight: Housetrained and knows “sit” and “paw.”

🐱 Oreo Cheesecake
Age: 11 years old
Weight: 6 lbs.
Highlight: Petite, charming lady with good litter habits.

🐶 Radiant Radar
Age: 4 years old
Weight: 47 lbs.
Highlight: Adorable boy who knows “sit” and is housetrained.

🐶 Jimmy Kibble
Age: 5 years old
Weight: 61 lbs.
Highlight: Housetrained, walks well on a leash, and very treat-motivated.

🐶 Coastal
Age: 2 years old
Weight: 54 lbs.
Highlight: Fully house-trained, loves her routine, and shines when she can run, jump, and play.

🐶 Barkra
Age: 1 year old
Weight: 55 lbs.
Highlight: Housetrained with a solid “sit.”

🐶 Hercules
Age: 7 years old
Weight: 74 lbs.
Highlight: Housetrained, knows “sit,” and is working on “spin” and “paw.”

🐶 Conan
Age: 5 years old
Weight: 89 lbs.
Highlight: Housetrained, medium-low energy boy.

🐶 Spot
Age: 3 years old
Weight: 74 lbs.
Highlight: Housetrained, knows “sit,” and is working on “spin.”

🐶 Biscotti
Age: 3 years old
Weight: 57 lbs.
Highlight: Housetrained and knows “sit.”

🐶 Oddish
Age: 3 years old
Weight: 56 lbs.
Highlight: Housetrained, enjoys car rides and going places with her people.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy some tasty brews and maybe meet the perfect four-legged friend to cozy up with this season!

🐶 Meet Jolly Green Giant, a sweetheart with a giant heart who never says no to a belly rub, keeps an adoring eye on you ...
01/09/2026

🐶 Meet Jolly Green Giant, a sweetheart with a giant heart who never says no to a belly rub, keeps an adoring eye on you during walks, and will happily climb into your lap to shower you with hugs and kisses. Though far from a giant, he’s a big-hearted cuddlebug and an all-around sweet companion who would love a home where he can share his affection and get plenty of belly rubs in return.

This little lovebug can’t get enough hugs and kisses and will happily hop into your lap for belly rubs. He’s calm, content, and absolutely soaks up every bit of attention you give him.

Jolly Green Giant is an attentive walking buddy who mostly strolls politely on the leash, occasionally getting a little excited, and often looks up to check in, showing just how connected he is to his person.

Jolly Green Giant is a smart, people-focused pup who loves treats and already knows “sit.” He will even come when called across the yard, and he appears to be housebroken at the shelter.

He’s a playful guy who can’t resist a good game of fetch, tail wagging the whole time.

Jolly Green Giant has met other pups at BARCS and does best with polite friends he can peacefully coexist with.

Jolly Green Giant 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

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, BARCS has been able to provide medical care to hundreds of animals...
01/09/2026

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 Orec Cheesecake, who received urgent treatment, all made possible by the incredible generosity of our amazing Franky Fund partner.

Charming Oreo Cheesecake came to BARCS, like many homeless animals in Baltimore City, in need of care and shelter. During his initial veterinary evaluation, he was found to have troublesome ear mites and yellow, worn teeth with gum recession. He was treated for his ear mites, but because of discomfort, a full assessment of his teeth wasn’t possible until he was under anesthesia for his neutering surgery. At that time, further examination revealed an abscess on his gums near his back molars, making it clear that Oreo Cheesecake needed not just a dental cleaning but a dental extraction procedure. He was then referred to our Franky Fund partner for the necessary dental care, restoring his ability to eat without pain and greatly improving his overall quality of life.

Once in the care of the LAC team, Oreo Cheesecake was sedated for full-mouth x-rays to get a better assessment. He then received multi-root extractions, gum sutures where the abscess had been, and a cleaning of his remaining teeth. A good boy as always, he was an excellent patient, and feeling much better, Oreo Cheesecake returned to BARCS!

Oreo Cheesecake is now thriving in a loving foster home and is ready for adoption, eagerly hoping for his very own Happy Tail!

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 Oreo Cheesecake by giving to our Franky Fund.

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

❄️ Bundle up and join the party! On Friday, January 16, pull on your coziest winter layers and head to BARCS’lor Party a...
01/09/2026

❄️ Bundle up and join the party! On Friday, January 16, pull on your coziest winter layers and head to BARCS’lor Party at Old Line Spirits from 6–9 PM for an evening steeped in mountain-lodge vibes and après-ski style. Grab your ticket, bring your pup, and settle in for great drinks and easygoing company as the Dog Wedding groom and his crew set the tone for a relaxed winter night.

Tickets🎟️: https://tinyurl.com/yvdurnt5

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

🎶 Live music in the tasting room from CBJB and Friends
✨ Performances and interactive workshops with Xpose Fitness
✒️ Custom engraving by Deb Healy Designs
🪵 A pop-up with D.O. Woodwork
🔥 An outdoor cigar lounge
🥙 Delicious food from Golden Falafel
🥃 Whiskey tastings
🐶 Dogs are welcome!

Your ticket includes your first beverage and a raffle entry, giving you the perfect excuse to enjoy live music, tasty drinks, and good company—all while supporting the lifesaving work of BARCS. Don’t miss out!

🐾 We’re thrilled to share Manny’s Happy Tail! From his very first road trip to meet his grandparents to his snowy escapa...
01/08/2026

🐾 We’re thrilled to share Manny’s Happy Tail! From his very first road trip to meet his grandparents to his snowy escapades at the dog park, this charming, affectionate pup has been nothing short of a delight to the people who love him most. Here’s an update from his family:

“Manny did so well on our first road trip to meet his grandparents. He had no issues during the 5+ hour car ride and seemed to enjoy seeing all the different sights.

“He was the perfect houseguest—gentle with everyone and on his best behavior when left home alone.

“He also got to run around in the snow at the dog park. This was the first time we’ve let him freely socialize with other dogs, and we were so happy to see how much fun he had playing with other pups.

“We knew Manny was a good boy, but he loves to show everyone that he truly is the best, sweetest boy.”

Reading about Manny’s adventures is a heartwarming reminder of how a patient, loving dog can flourish in new experiences—whether he’s making friends at the dog park, exploring new places, or simply melting hearts with his gentle, sweet nature. That’s the real magic of a Happy Tail! ❤️

Say hi to Trek 🐶! This sweet, curious girl loves flopping at your side for pets, gently nudging for attention, and curli...
01/07/2026

Say hi to Trek 🐶! This sweet, curious girl loves flopping at your side for pets, gently nudging for attention, and curling up close. Playful and affectionate, she adores spending time with her people and is ready to bring her charm to a family who will love her back. Check out her shelter “dating profile”—you might just want to swipe right!

📍 Location: Currently in a loving foster home, but hoping for one of her own!

🐕 About Me: I’m a mellow lovebug who enjoys taking in the world at my own pace, then settling in close for pets and cuddles. Whether I’m gently exploring or sitting by your side, I’m happiest sharing cozy moments together.

💖 Looking For: A patient, loving family who enjoys walks, playtime, and cozy cuddle time, and appreciates a girl who shows her affection through gentle nudges and adorable paw expressions.

📝 Fun Fact: I have a way with my paws—resting them on you, crossing them, or giving a gentle nudge when I want more pets.

📸 Photo Shoot Favorites: Lounging next to you on the couch, gently playing with my toys, or showing off those irresistible paw nudges!

🏞️ Dream Date: A calm walk sniffing around the neighborhood or a scenic trail, followed by cozy snuggle time.

🥓 Favorite Snack: Treats make me extra happy, especially when I get to show off my “sit,” “paw,” or “down” tricks!

🐾 Pet Peeves: I need slow introductions with other dogs. Playful friends are fun, but I can be rowdy, so I’d like to meet them to make sure we’re a good match.

🪅 Hobbies: Exploring on walks, gentle play with my toys, flopping down for pets, and cozying up for snuggles.

🏡 Homebody or Adventurer: A little of both! I enjoy quiet time at home, but I love sniffing around outside on a walk or adventure.

💖 Best Feature: My loving, affectionate personality—I’ll happily lean in for cuddles, give gentle nudges for attention, and stay close to my favorite humans.

Trek 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

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

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