There is nothing more satisfying than rescuing and sheltering Maryland’s lost and neglected dogs and cats. Our article about Maryland pet rescue is one of your best reads if you love animals and want to help them find a happy, warm, and loving home. Read on and you will find some of the information you are seeking regarding Maryland pet rescue.
Maryland Pet Rescue
Pets rescued in Maryland come from all situations – from pets surrendered at shelters and in jeopardy of being euthanized to those living in very extreme, harsh situations. Some dogs are starving and chained to a pole, while others are used as bait to train pit bulls in dog fighting rings. Many cats are flea infested and live on the street or in abandoned buildings. Many of these animals are in need of medical treatment. Some require expensive medications and perhaps surgery. Pet rescues in Maryland can accomplish what they do because of the generosity and goodwill of those who advocate for their cause.Â
It is reasonable to say that these Maryland Pet Rescues have saved thousands of lives with the aid of people who have dedicated hours of their time fostering and caring for animals in their homes while assisting them in finding responsible pet parents. This is accomplished through funds raised for the welfare of the animals by way of online donations, charity and pet adoption events, contests, and other activities. Any gift, no matter how great or small, is used to aid animals that would otherwise not have the opportunity to find their forever home.
Maryland’s Pet Adoption Procedures
Most pet rescue organizations and animal shelters allow potential adopters to preview the adoption process for each pet online. Some ask for credentials or a house visit, while others are willing to adopt on the same day.
It’s important to remember that the individual signing the document must not be a minor. The adoption procedure will proceed somewhat like this if you’ve found a pet you like:
- You locate a suitable pet and complete an adoption form.
- An adoption consultant will call you to set up a meeting with the pet. This appointment should just take a few minutes if you completed the application on-site. It might take a few days if you found your dog online.
- Invite yourself and everyone else who will be living with the pet, especially existing family pets, to this meeting.
- If everyone gets along, fill out any documentation that is required and wait while the shelter checks your references, reviews your liviing situation and/or lease agreement, and possibly calls your veterinarian. In addition, you will obtain the pet’s medical records.
You’re ready to take your new pet home once you’ve completed a responsible pet ownership counseling session and paid the adoption fee.
Maryland Pet Licensing
Maryland requires pet owners to obtain a license. In Maryland, pet licensing is handled at the local level. Check with your county’s animal services department for information, such as fees and restrictions.
A pet license protects both you and your pet if you become separated. A valid license indicates that your pet is up to date on immunizations and assists whoever discovers your pet in returning it to you.
What is the cost of Adopting a Pet in Maryland?
Adoption fees go toward covering the costs of running an animal shelter or pet rescue, such as paying for infrastructure, supplies, and medical treatment, among other things. To give you an idea of how much it costs to adopt a pet in Maryland, we have checked prices from three different shelters around the state. More Maryland animal shelters can be found on MarylandPet.org.
The Humane Society of Baltimore is a non-profit organization dedicated to pet rescue
Dog Adoption Fees: $135 for dogs (26 punds or more) and $235 for puppies (6 months and under) and canines under 25 pounds. Included with dog adoption: Spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccines, heartworm testing, microchipping, and one month of complimentary pet insurance are all included. Discounts include $50 discount for seniors citizens (60+) and a 50% discount on animals age 7 and older. There is only one adoption fee applies to a bonded pair.
Cat Adoption Fees — Cost: $70. for cats 7 months and older, $100. for kittens (6 months and younger). Included: Spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations appropriate for the age and species, microchip with free registration and one month free pet insurance. The same discounts for dogs apply to cats and kittens.
Rabbits and guinea pigs are also available for adoption at times from this shelter.
Adoption costs vary based on the optimum care, but the top fees are $163 for male canines and $178 for female dogs at the Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center. What it encompasses: spay/neuter surgery with pain medication and a physical, distemper vaccination and/or booster, rabies vaccine, flea treatment, heartworm test, pet license and free microchipping for pets who have had all possible medical treatments.
Highest fees for cats are $141. for a female and $121. for a male. Included in the fee can be spay/neuter surgery with pain medication and a physical, distemper vaccination and/or booster, rabies vaccine, flea treatment, feline leukemia/FIV test, pet license and free microchipping for pets who have had all possible medical treatments.
Ferrets and rabbits are also available for adoption at times.
Dog Adoption Fees — $150 for puppies under 6 months, $100 for dogs 7 months to 7 years old, $75 for senior pets more than 7 years, $150 for bonded couples older than 6 months. Adopting dogs with special needs is free. Fee Includes: Spay or Neuter Surgery, Microchip, Heartworm Test, Distemper, Bordetella, Rabies Vaccine (age dependent) and Flea Treatment and Deworming.
Cat Adoption Fees — $100. for kittens younger than 6 months, $50. for kittens 7 months and older, $0. for cats over 8 years or special needs cats/kittens, $150. for bonded pairs younger than 6 months and $75. for bonded pairs older than 6 months.
Maryland’s Top Pet Rescue Organizations
The following list is a selection of some the top pet rescues in Maryland. A comprehensive list of Maryland pet rescues can be found on MarylandPet.org.
Last Chance Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization based in Waldorf, Maryland dedicated to caring for animals and placing them in permanent homes. Last Chance rescues cats and dogs that might otherwise be euthanized from over 50 animal shelters in 12 states. They have partnered with over 30 PetSmart and Petco stores in the region and provide full service in-store cat adoptions. Since 1999, the organization has rescued and placed over 10,000 cats and dogs.Â
In 2005, Mary Snyder established the Maryland Animal Society and Rescue in Baltimore. The organization is a non-profit dedicated to rescuing dogs who have run out of time in other animal shelters, caring for them, and placing them in loving, permanent homes.The organization has helped and adopted out over 5,000 dogs and cats since its inception.
Capital Animal Rescue and Environmental Foundation are a non-profit that helps animals in and around Aspen Hill. It was founded in 2009. Before placing dogs in new homes, the organization collaborates with other organizations to rescue, rehabilitate, socialize, and even train them.
Through its services, the Capital Animal Rescue and Environmental Foundation is dedicated to assisting neglected, mistreated, and homeless animals. You may begin the process of adopting a dog by filling out an application.
The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is a 501(c)3 organization committed to rescuing abandoned, homeless, or surrendered animals. Since its inception in 2005, the group has served as Baltimore’s premier provider of animal services.
BARCS provides a variety of services, including shelter, personal care, and medical treatment. Every day, the organization takes in approximately 30 animals.
Rude Ranch Animal Rescue, based in Harwood, is a 501(c)(3) organization that rescues, cares for, and adopts out abandoned or homeless animals. The objective of the group is to put an end to euthanasia in the area. The organization also offers spay and neuter services.
Rude Ranch Animal Rescue strives to place each animal in the best possible home. Each application is properly vetted and checked to ensure that the homes are suitable for the pets.
Defenders of Animal Rights is a non-profit organization that works to make Maryland a violence-free refuge for animals. It was established in Phoenix in 1975. The organization helps animals who have been neglected, mistreated, or abandoned by providing rescue services, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and more.
Defenders of Animal Rights cares for dogs and cats for as long as they need it until they find a suitable home.
Double Dog Dare Rescue, based in Westminster, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists animal shelters with adoptions. Volunteers operate the organization, which fosters and cares for dogs who have been abandoned or mistreated.
Double Dog Dare Rescue specializes in rescuing dogs from remote places where they might otherwise go unnoticed.
Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center, based in Derwood, is a non-profit organization committed to caring for abandoned or mistreated animals. Throughout the region, the organization collaborates with other animal welfare organizations to provide rescue, volunteer, and fostering services.
The Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center has employees available to examine complaints concerning animal care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Â
Senior Dog Sanctuary, based in Severn, is an animal rescue and adoption center for senior dogs. The organization saves dogs who are neglected or abandoned and gives care, fosters, and adopts elderly pets and provides them with a loving home.
Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue, based in Ellicott City, is a nonprofit organization committed to rescuing and caring for animals that have been mistreated, neglected, or abandoned. The organization is a no-kill sanctuary that accepts animals in any condition, regardless of medical expenditures. They have found homes for almost 7,000 dogs since their inception in 2011.Â
Finding a Pet in Maryland
In Maryland finding an adoptable pet is easy. When you adopt a dog or cat, you are joining a community of almost 3 million other people who have also welcomed a shelter animal into their lives. Begin your search by perusing local listings for adoptable pets. You can enter your city into Petfinder.com or AdoptaPet.com to see data from numerous rescues all in one location, or you can go to your local shelter and see the pets in person.
While searching, read any descriptions of the pets that grab your eye from the shelter. This will assist you in determining whether or not the animal will be a suitable fit for your household.
Banned Breeds in Maryland
Three localities in Maryland, according to the advocacy website DogsBite.org, prohibit pit bulls: Edmonston, Prince George’s County, and the Town of Port Deposit. Meanwhile, Ridgley considers pit bulls to be “dangerous breeds,” which means that owners of these dogs (and perhaps landlords who rent to such owners) will be held liable for any damage caused by the dog, even if it has never done so before.
The rules governing banned breeds differ by county, so check your local ordinances for the most up-to-date information.
Keep in mind that even if you don’t live in one of those counties, specific breeds can still be restricted at your home. Just in case, double-check your homeowner’s insurance, lease or HOA terms before proceeding with the adoption.
Pet Insurance for Dogs and Cats
A word about pet insurance…If your pet is prone to chronic health concerns or if its breed is known to have or develop health difficulties, pet insurance is a must-have. Insurance may provide you with more than just peace of mind; it can also assist you in affording medical treatment. To make the best selection for you and your pet, weigh alternative costs and coverage options against your pet’s medical history.
Maryland Pet Rescue Adoption Process
Maryland pet rescues are non-profit organizations that rely on volunteer foster homes to help animals in need. The best way to get in touch is via email. Most vouluntters work day jobs so you will usually hear back in the evenings or on weekends.Â
Some organizations insist on a home visit as they like to verify details listed on your applicaion. Visits to homes are one method Maryland pet rescues use to locate the best homes for dogs in their care. They’ll need to visit your home, see your fence, meet your other pets, and simply assess your living circumstances. Some rescues are unable to go more than 50 miles from their base to do a house visit. If you’re seeking a certain breed of dog, there are usually some dogs in your region that are available for adoption. Please type “particular dog breed – rescue – your state” into a search engine like Yahoo or Google.Â
All responsible pet rescues in Maryland will make sure the dogs and cats in their program are spayed or neutered and have all necessary vaccinations before being adopted. This is included in the adoption cost. If your new puppy or kitten is too young to have gotten all of the vetting (vaccinations, spay, or neutering), the rescue will ask that you keep in touch and report back to them with the dates for these veterinary appointments. Some Maryland pet rescues will also give discount coupons for these procedures to new pet parents.Â
It is always advisable to take your newly adopted cat or dog to your veterinarian within the first week of arriving at your home. Remember to take the pet’s health records provided by the rescue organization along with you. Your veterinarian will need to make note of any previous problems or treatments.
Final Thoughts
It’s nearly time to take your new pet home! Only a few things need to be done before your house is pet-friendly. It will be much simpler to move from shelter life if you have your pet’s food, water, cage, bedding, and other comfort items fully set up. Pick up the following goods from your local store before bringing your pet home:
- Food, water bowls, and food bowls
- Toys and treats
- A collar or harness, as well as a leash
- Instruments for grooming
- Enzyme cleaners and puppy pads (even adult dogs have accidents)
Once you finish your shopping you’ll be ready to bring your furry friend home. Congratulations! You and your pet are sure to have a lot of fun together. And you’ve completed the pet rescue operation with flying colors.
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