BARCS Animal Shelter

11/25/2024

“Thank you” is a small phrase with a powerful meaning, but it often doesn’t feel powerful enough to truly encompass our gratitude for our community.

There are not enough words to describe how amazed and grateful we are for the dedication, compassion and generosity of the thousands of individuals and families who support animals in need at BARCS every year. This Thanksgiving week, we want to take a moment to attempt to express our thankfulness for our selfless community for all that they do.

Thank you to our adopters who not only open their homes, but also their hearts. To a former shelter pet, not a single moment spent with you is a moment taken for granted. They depend on you and you mean the world to them. Thank you for not just saving one life, but two–the life of the animal you adopted and the life of another that you opened a space for.

Thank you to our incredible volunteers. We, quite literally, could not exist without you. Your tireless support and countless hours of work with and for the animals makes all the difference. Our volunteers are the glue that holds the shelter together. Every walk, every pet, every load of laundry, every donation put away, every event, every matchmake and every minute spent at (or for) the shelter is invaluable.

Thank you to our amazing fosters. With your help, we are able to save more lives by opening kennel space in the shelter and preparing animals who are not yet ready to be adopted the chance to live and be loved in a foster home. Whether you’re helping a dog learn to love or watching an injured kitten recover from illness, thanks to your care and attention, you change an animal’s life for the better. You are passionate, brave, caring lifesavers.

Thank you to our generous donors and advocates. We are so grateful for the dedication, compassion and generosity of the thousands of donors who have supported BARCS this year and in years past. Our lifesaving work would not be possible without the donation of funds from our loyal supporters. You have been a critical part in finding health and happy endings for thousands of pets in Baltimore.

Thank you to our wonderful rescue partners. You help us save more lives each year by taking many animals in need into your care. Your commitment to the animals and your willingness to help means so much to us. Thank you for always stepping up to give more animals a second chance.

Last, but certainly not least, thank you to our team here at BARCS. Our staff is made up of compassionate people who give so much of themselves for the love of animals. You provide care, you work on training and rehabilitating them, you bond with them, you advocate for them, and most importantly, you show them love. The job of an animal shelter employee is incredibly difficult at times, and yet, your dedication to the animals is unwavering. Daily work is often dirty, smelly and thankless—sometimes heart wrenching. You work in the hardest of circumstances, but it is love that keeps you here each day and the hope of providing a new home and a new future to those who look to us for help. Our BARCS team is one of a kind.

On behalf of all the voiceless pets at BARCS—from those who have found a home and those who are eagerly waiting—we want to extend our warmest and sincerest gratitude to our community in wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for your support, your generosity, your kindness and your willingness to help both animals and people in need.

Happy Thanksgiving—and “thank you!” ❤

(Photo featuring adoptable Moon, currently residing in a loving foster home.)

11/22/2024

BARCS is thrilled to be part of this lifesaving adoption event, teaming up with our friends at BISSELL Pet Foundation. This December, let’s ‘Empty the Shelter’ and find loving homes for shelter animals!💙🐾

'Tis the season to save a life! 💚❤️

BISSELL Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters™ is back from Dec. 1 - 17 at 390+ shelters in 45 states! Adopt a vaccinated, microchipped and spayed/neutered pet for just $50 or less. Join us as we help every shelter pet find a loving home in time for the holidays.

Get ready to adopt by viewing participating shelters: https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/programs/empty-the-shelters/

11/22/2024

A big shoutout to our very own Kylie W.❣️Yesterday morning, Kylie, one of our Training and Enrichment Coordinators, had the wonderful opportunity to visit Thomas Johnson Elementary Middle School for their Career Day and share about her role at BARCS. TJEMS holds a special place in our hearts, as their students helped with preparations for BARCStoberfest, and we’re so grateful for our long-standing partnership with such a fantastic school. Kylie even brought along her rescue pup, Lucy, who charmed the students while showing off some tricks! The kids had plenty of insightful questions, and Kylie had a fantastic time talking about animal welfare with the next generation. 💜🐾

11/22/2024

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 Veterinary Emergency Group. The care provided by the EVG team has touched the lives of countless BARCS animals, including Nyla, who received urgent treatment, all made possible by the incredible generosity of our amazing Franky Fund partner.

Sweet baby Nyla came to BARCS through no fault of her own, showing concerning symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which suggested a possible parvo virus infection. Upon her initial veterinary evaluation, Nyla was found to have a fever and weakness, prompting a parvo test that unfortunately confirmed she was battling for her life. Thankfully, there were no signs of neurological damage, but her bloodwork revealed a low white blood cell count, indicating that her immune system was already struggling. Due to the highly contagious nature of parvo, Nyla was placed in the shelter's isolation room, where she was given medication for the fever and vomiting, as well as IV fluids to keep her hydrated. However, by the following day, Nyla remained dehydrated and struggled to eat and keep food in her body. It became clear that she needed overnight monitoring, so the decision was made to transfer her to our wonderful Franky Fund partner for further care.

Once in the care of the VEG team, they closely monitored Nyla around the clock, ensuring she received the best possible care during this critical time. They continued her treatment plan, managing her fever and dehydration, and provided a feeding tube to help her get the nourishment she desperately needed. As Nyla’s condition began to improve and her appetite returned, the feeding tube was removed. From there, she continued to make progress, one bite at a time. Throughout her entire ordeal, Nyla remained a sweet and patient patient, showing remarkable resilience.

Back at BARCS, Nyla remained isolated from the other pups until she made a full recovery, and she did amazing! Once she regained her strength, she went to go to a loving home, where she could continue to be the sweet and joyful puppy we always knew she was!

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 Pumpkin Patch 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

11/21/2024

Looking for a dog who’ll melt your heart with every glance? Meet Ice Milk! This gentle and affectionate pup is ready to find his own loving home, and his sweet nature makes him impossible to resist. If you're seeking a loving companion who’ll shower you with affection and warm your heart, Ice Milk might be exactly what you need!

Ice Milk is a sweet, affectionate pup who loves giving kisses once he feels comfortable. While he’s still adjusting to his new surroundings at the shelter and can be a bit nervous at first, his loving and squishy nature quickly shines through. He’s the kind of dog who craves attention and will stay close, gently seeking out affection, especially when you sit down or take a moment to relax. Ice Milk has also met other dogs at BARCS and has shown himself to be social, bouncy, and playful with his pals!

Ice Milk is a total sweetheart and a wonderful walking companion! He’s easy to leash and always eager to head out for a stroll. While he’s excited to explore, he remains calm and relaxed during the walk, enjoying the sights and sounds around him. He may be a little shy at first, but his curiosity shines through as he takes in his surroundings, moving at his own pace while you enjoy the walk together.

Ice Milk already knows how to “sit”, and while he’s still working on learning how to give his “paw”, he’s making good progress! His shy nature means he might take a little extra time to warm up to new tricks, but with the right encouragement, he’ll get there. He’s also a big fan of treats, especially hot dogs, though he’s happy to munch on jerky too!

During an outing with a volunteer, Ice Milk showed his affectionate side by seeking out attention when the volunteer paused on a bench. His calm, gentle nature makes him a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a loving, easygoing companion who enjoys just being close. While he may feel a bit unsure in new situations, his curiosity and willingness to engage shine through as he works to adjust.

He’s still finding his confidence, but he’s well on his way to being the loyal friend you’ve been waiting for. Come meet him – his sweet personality is bound to win you over, just like it has with everyone who’s gotten to know him!

Ice Milk 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

11/20/2024

Happy Tail updates from our adopters truly bring us so much joy! Hazey is a great example of an animal that was nervous at the shelter, but just took some time in a home to show off her true personality:

"I just wanted to reach out to give an update on a cat that I adopted from you earlier this year. She was named “sparkle” but has since been renamed Hazey. She started out so shy and I was told she would stay in the back corner of her crate all day. And that’s exactly how I met her. I already had a shy and deaf older cat and I was hoping they could bring each other comfort.

Well that’s exactly what happened! Hazey took a few weeks to warm up even slightly but once she did, she has been causing chaos (in a good way) ever since. Even my grumpy old man, Nestle, has began playing more because of her.

Anyways, I just wanted to provide some positivity in this process. I can’t imagine the things that you see and I am truly thankful for all that you. And Hazey (aka Sparkle) is too.

I’ve attached some updated pictures. From when she was hiding in the smallest corner ever to now sitting “fancy” everywhere she goes."

11/20/2024

Today’s the last day—don’t miss out on bringing home a new best friend! If you’ve been thinking about adopting, now’s the perfect time. We’re celebrating BARCS’ 20th anniversary with a special adoption promotion, and we’d love for you to meet your new furry family member today❣️

✨Adoption fees are just $20!

If you’re ready to welcome a lovable pup or an adorable kitty into your life, they’re waiting for you at BARCS. Whether you need an energetic playmate, a chill cuddle buddy, or a quirky sidekick, we’ve got the perfect match for you. Plus, when you adopt, you’re not just changing one life—you’re helping us save more and create happy endings for so many animals. Don't wait—your new furry family member is just a visit away!🐾💙

We’re so grateful for your support over the past 20 years, BARCS family—here’s to many more years of saving lives together!

P.S. The adorable pup on this post is Gobstopper, he is on the lookout for his own loving home, check out his profile and the rest of his friends on our website! You can find the link in the comments below.

11/19/2024

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

11/19/2024

We couldn't do what we do without you, our BARCS community.

Thanks to your support, BARCS is celebrating 20 years of making a difference for animals and their families in Baltimore. We have certainly come a long, long way in 20 years. From our humble beginnings in the old municipal city shelter, we've worked tirelessly to save more and more of the tens of thousands of animals who enter our shelter each year.

We rely on your donations in order to help the 12,000 animals that come through our doors each year. While some animals only need routine intake exams, vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery, others require more intensive medical treatment or behavioral training.

The animals pictured below are just a few examples of animals with additional medical needs who we recently saved with your help...

❤ Baby Oreo: Sweet Baby Oreo was found outside with an extensive, infected leg wound that was beyond repair. Her left hind leg required amputation and she quickly went on to be adopted by a loving family.

❤ Gumball: This friendly puppy was roaming the streets and was unable to bear weight on one of his back legs. X-rays revealed a break in the growth plate below his knee. Gumball received surgery and, after crate rest in a foster home, he was adopted.

❤ Boba: Beautiful, 13-year-old Boba just came to the shelter last week. She was underweight and anemic with dental disease. She received a full dental and is being closely monitored in a staff member's office as she needs additional support to eat and stay hydrated.

❤ Lotus: 1-year-old Lotus was found injured, curled up on the side of the road. She was suspected to have been hit by a car and had a tibia fracture as well as a corneal ulcer which required immediate treatment. She was quickly adopted and will receive further medical care with her new family.

❤ Brigida 3: Baby Brigida came to the shelter with his four siblings. It was noted upon his initial exam that he had a severe heart murmur and possible additional cardiac issues. Further exams revealed that his condition could thankfully be managed with medications. He was adopted into a loving home soon after.

❤ Cocomelon: Little Cocomelon came to BARCS underweight and experiencing vomiting. She had exploratory surgery to rule out a blockage, and it was found that she had a serious condition where part of the intestine telescopes into another part, which required immediate surgery. She was later adopted and is steadily gaining weight in her new home.

Our Constant Companions, BARCS monthly donors, help us make sure this is possible to begin treating animals immediately upon entering our shelter. By signing up to donate just $20 a month, you can help provide lifesaving assistance to animals in need.

Will you become their Constant Companion today? https://www.barcs.org/monthly-gifts

11/18/2024

Pupperoni is a sweet, playful pup with so much to offer! Whether he's exploring the outdoors or playing with his favorite squeaky toys, he’s ready to make every moment an adventure. Housetrained and eager to bring his charm to a loving home, Pupperoni enjoys affection on his own terms. He prefers to approach when he feels comfortable and safe, but once you've earned his trust, he's all about the love and pets!

It has been reported that Pupperoni is a fantastic loose leash walker, happiest when exploring trails and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors. This agile pup also loves to show off his skills, confidently conquering the big ramp and sitting proudly afterward, eager for his treat reward. A playful soul, Pupperoni lights up during playtime, especially with his favorite squeaky toys.

This smart cookie has already mastered “sit” and thrives on treat-based training sessions, making learning new tricks a fun and tasty bonding experience. It has also been reported that Pupperoni has been exposed to kids and done well. At BARCS, he’s met other pups and is a social, playful boy who prefers polite pals that respect his space and understand social cues. He’s done well with small breed dogs and requests a meet-and-greet with potential doggie roommates to ensure a good match.

Pupperoni is ready to bring his smarts, sweetness, and energy to a family who’ll love him as much as he’ll love them!

Pupperoni 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

11/15/2024

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 Howard County Animal Hospital. The care provided by the HCAH team has touched the lives of countless BARCS animals, including sweet Tad, who received vital treatment, all made possible by the incredible generosity of our amazing Franky Fund partner.

Sweet and petite kitten Tad came to BARCS after being found with an injured hind leg by a kind caretaker, who took him to a veterinarian for much-needed medical care. X-rays revealed that Tad’s right hind leg had sustained a tibia and fibula fracture. He was given a splint and medication to keep him comfortable. Tad was then brought to BARCS for further treatment and to begin the next chapter of his journey. After evaluation by our veterinary team, it was determined that Tad would benefit from a specialized assessment, so he was transferred to one of our amazing Franky Fund partners for continued care.

In the care of HCAH, Tad was assessed, and due to the severity of his fracture, it was determined that amputation surgery was the best option to restore his quality of life and help him stay the sweet, playful kitten he is. The HCAH team took excellent care of Tad, and the surgery was a success! He was described as a sweet baby, and once stable, he was ready to return to BARCS.

Back at the shelter, Tad began his recovery with great success! His surgery was healing well, and he was already rolling and playing with some limitations in his kennel, ready to take on life's next adventure. Feeling much better, it wasn’t long before this sweet, resilient kitten found his own loving home, where he can continue to thrive and show off his playful spirit. We are so happy for Tad and excited for his future ahead!

Thank you to Howard County Animal 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 Tad by giving to our Franky Fund.

You can donate on this link https://www.barcs.org/urgent-care/

11/15/2024

In case you missed it, all adoption fees are only $20 through Wednesday, November 20 in honor of our 20th anniversary!

That's right, BARCS has been saving lives big and small in Baltimore for 20 years now. BARCS is the largest companion animal shelter in Maryland–each year, we take in 11,000-12,000 lost and homeless animals, including dogs, cats, small companion animals, wildlife, farm animals and exotic animals. We also help more than 5,000 owned pets each year.

As an open-admission organization, BARCS never turns away an animal in need of shelter, food and a loving touch; we grant refuge to every abandoned, neglected, abused, lost or surrendered animal that comes through our door. Though our hardworking team seemingly never has a moment’s rest, the deep love and compassion we have for the animals who need us inspires us to keep our doors open 365 days a year to those in need.

Pictured below are just a handful of the hundreds of animals currently available for adoption at BARCS. Animals like Ice Milk, Bryce, Catrina, Moon, MooMoo, Lola, Orriessa, and Gobstopper are all looking for loving families of their very own, and rely on your donations to receive essential care.

If you cannot adopt, please consider becoming a Constant Companion! For just $20 a month, you can help provide essential care to the 11,000-12,000 animals that come through our doors each year: https://www.barcs.org/monthly-gifts

As a nonprofit organization, BARCS fills the role of animal sheltering and care for Baltimore City, including all animals brought in through Baltimore City Animal Control. Our organization is responsible for raising 80% of our funding for their care and to save their lives. While we have increased funding and lives saved year after year, BARCS remains critically underfunded for the high volume of animals and public services we are responsible for.

We're honored to achieve our mission side by side with you, our BARCS family.

11/14/2024

Phantasm isn’t just a dream – she’s a sweet, loving pup ready to steal your heart! This girl is full of love and potential, and she’s excited to find her own loving home. She’s already showing great progress at the shelter, appearing housetrained, riding well in the car, and working on her leash skills. Every day, she gets a little better and is eager to keep learning!

Phantasm is a calm and affectionate pup who loves to relax and soak up attention. She adores gentle belly rubs and enjoys basking in the sun while sitting quietly next to her person. Whether it's accepting pets, scratches, or being brushed, Phantasm melts into relaxation, often closing her eyes in pure bliss. At the shelter, she’s shown herself to be a gentle soul around other dogs. While she’s still a bit unsocialized, Phantasm prefers polite and calm canine companions. It’s important for her to meet any potential doggie roommates to ensure they’re a good match. Phantasm is also eligible to return to BARCS for small social sessions to help her improve her confidence and skills with other dogs.

Phantasm is a clever girl with a natural eagerness to learn! She already knows how to “sit,” give her “paw,” and even roll over. Phantasm is very in tune with her person and loves to show off her skills, especially when there are tasty treats involved, and with her enthusiasm, you’ll be building a great bond in no time! She’s ready to show you how quickly she can pick up new tricks with a little encouragement and some delicious rewards.

To sum it up, Phantasm is a sweet, affectionate pup who would thrive in a calm and loving home where she can continue to grow at her own pace. She enjoys cuddles, basking in the sun, and showing off her new tricks. If you’re looking for a companion who’s eager to share special moments and be part of your everyday routine, Phantasm could be the perfect fit for you!

Phantasm 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

11/13/2024

Have you been keeping an eye on the great items being posted everyday in the auction?! Be sure to check it out through November 20!

Volunteer, foster and all around superwoman Michelle Green has been saving lives by running our Franky Fund Facebook auctions since 2013. These biannual auctions have raised nearly $500,000 to date, covering the medical expenses for hundreds of emergency medical cases at BARCS each year.

To join the fun, first join the Facebook group for the auction and THEN join the Facebook event for the auction.

🐾 #1 Join the Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590231644810654/
🐾 #2 Join the Auction: https://www.facebook.com/events/551302400683810

There's a treasure trove of goodies in the auction, covering a wide range of values and types—something for everyone! Go ahead, Bid often, bid high, and have a blast for a great cause!

11/13/2024

Maybe we're a little biased, but we think the 2025 BARCS Calendar is about as cute as they come! We had SO many absolutely adorable photo submissions this year that is was nearly impossible to narrow them down.

The calendar, proudly presented by our friends at Complete Climate Services, makes a great gift for friends and family or even to decorate your own home office or cubicle. The best part? The $20 price tag directly supports our lifesaving programs at BARCS.

While most of our 2025 calendar inventory was sold during pre-sales, we have a limited number of additional copies available for purchase. We expect these will be gone quickly and we will not being doing a second print this year... so please do not delay!

Purchase a calendar here: https://form.jotform.com/243086452698165

If you have already purchased your calendar and need to pick it up, we have several opportunities for you to do so:

🐾 Saturday, December 7 at the Heavy Seas 29th Anniversary Party event at Heavy Seas Beer (4615 Hollins Ferry Rd # A, Halethorpe, MD) from 12-5 p.m.

🐾 Sunday, December 15 at the Pets With Santa at El Bufalo (2921 O'Donnell St , Baltimore, MD) from 12-2 p.m.

🐾 OR at our shelter located at 2490 Giles Rd. Baltimore, MD anytime during our regular business hours from Friday, November 29 onward. We are open Monday-Friday from 2-6 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

We also want to give a special shoutout to our 2025 calendar winners!

Cover: Banks is loved by the Spriggs family
January: Willow Wisp is loved by the Allison family
February: Max is loved by the Scalzo family
March: Bill was dearly loved by the Trevey family
April: Arya Stark is loved by the Duque family
May: Sandy Girl is loved by the Cudmore and Taylor family
June: Lucy is loved by the Chea family
July: Jackson is loved by the Ludwig and Pagliaro family
August: Daisy is available for adoption and is loved by the whole BARCS family
September: Toast is loved by the Hess family
October: Poppy is loved by the Silwick family
November: Blitzen is loved by the Twardy family
December: Bean Francis is loved by the Ellis family, and was submitted by our presenting sponsor, Complete Climate Services

Plus, many more honorable mentions included on the inside cover along with the "About BARCS" page and the back cover. Be sure to check the images to see if your pet was selected as an honorable mention!

11/12/2024

Evangeline needs a home!