Pet Adoption & Fostering

Take a look at the pets here on our website and note which interest you. (Pets come and go constantly, so some may no longer be available and additional others may have just arrived.) Potential adopters should visit the shelter, ideally with a completed pre-screen, as soon as possible after seeing a pet they are interested in. Most of our pets are available on a "first potential adopter approved, first eligible to adopt" basis.

      
What you'll need to bring:

• Photo ID
• Proof of current address (if not the same as address on your driver’s license), such as a bill sent to you at your newer address.
• Proof of current rabies vaccinations for all dogs, cats and/or ferrets over 4 months of age living at your residence
• If you live in Anne Arundel County, all dogs at your residence must have current county animal licenses (these can be issued while you are at our shelter).
• If you already have a dog or dogs at home, do NOT bring them to the shelter when you first come to meet available dogs. Once you have selected a dog you would like to adopt, you can schedule a "meet-and-greet" between that dog and your current dog(s) at our shelter. (In some cases, these dog introductions are mandatory before a dog can be adopted). Only specific staff team members can oversee these meetings, so an appointment must be made

If you own your home, please also bring:

Either a mortgage payment stub or a copy of your home's property information from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (https://sdat.dat.maryland.gov/RealProperty/Pages/default.aspx)

If you rent a home or apartment, please also bring:

Either your rental/lease agreement showing any pet restrictions and/or your landlord's phone number. If your landlord requires a pet deposit, you must provide proof that this has been paid BEFORE completing an adoption

Adoption Fees Include:

(Payable by cash, check or credit card)

• Spay/Neuter Surgery
• Distemper and Rabies Vaccinations
• A microchip
• Worming
• License (if applicable)

 
Pairs of animals that can be adopted with one adoption fee:

• Kittens/Cats
• Bonded Pairs
• Guinea Pigs

• Adoption Pre-Screen Form
• Pre – Selección para Adopción, Anne Arundel County Animal Services
• Bringing Home Your New Dog
• Bringing a New Dog Home to Live With an Existing Dog
• Bringing Home Your New Cat
• Bringing a New Cat Home to Live With an Existing Cat
• Animal Laws During Severe Weather
• Rabies Information Brochure
• Public Safety Threat Animals Brochure
• Facts About Heartworms
• Heartworm and Tick Borne Diseases in Dogs

How am I Matched With a Pet? Not every pet here in the shelter is in need of a foster, so it is important to keep in mind that a pet you see online may not be available to foster. Once welcomed into our foster team, you will let the foster coordinator know your needs (age, size, good with other pets, etc.) and they will help suggest shelter pets who are a good fit. You will also receive regular emails with incoming pets who are in need of foster, so you can choose to help out when you are available.
 

Does the Shelter Provide Supplies? Yes! We can provide all the necessities excluding some miscellaneous items like cat towers or dog beds. However, we sometimes have extra supplies in those cases too so just ask and we can let you know!
 

What if I Travel? If you ever need to travel or have someone watch your foster for a short period of time, just let the foster coordinator know and we will organize a short term foster transfer or get them set up to stay here while you are away. You never have to feel bad or worry about vacations or travel, we will help!
 

How do I take care of medical needs for the pet? Fosters are never asked to contribute financially to the medical costs of their foster pets, nor are fosters permitted to take animals to their own vets. Animal Services has an on-site veterinarian and medical team who tend to all of the pets in our care. All of your foster's medical needs will be taken care of at the shelter. If your foster animal has special medical needs and needs testing or care we cannot complete on-site, our medical staff will help coordinate trips to specialty vet hospitals paid for by the shelter. 
 

Can I take breaks from fostering? If at any point you have to take a break from fostering, you are welcome to remain part of our foster team without housing a pet. 
 

Are there any rules or guidelines for fosters? Fosters are not permitted to allow pets off leash, leave them unattended somewhere other than secured safely in your home, or give the foster pet to someone else (unless otherwise coordinated with the foster team). Fosters are also not permitted to use any form of negative reinforcement training including: shock, choke, prong, or buzzing collars; spray bottles, air horns, yelling, or any punishment devices. Fosters are required to return their foster pet to the shelter to meet adopters, receive medical care, etc. in a timely manner when asked.