Adopting a Pet
Our adoption process is not difficult, and often an animal can leave our shelter with you the same day that you apply to adopt. Whether you’re looking for a cat, dog, rabbit, bird or other companion animal, we can help you find the perfect pet and discover just how rewarding adopting can be.
Things to consider:
- What kind of pet is most compatible with your lifestyle, home and family situation?
- Familiarize yourself with the Animal Services laws that pertain to the pet of your choice
- Animal Services requires that potential adopters provide proof that their currently owned dogs, cats and/or ferrets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations and that their dogs and cats have county animal licenses (which can be obtained at our shelter).
- If you are a renter, your landlord’s approval is needed.
- Anne Arundel County Animal Services is a partner with Pets for Patriots, a nonprofit organization that provides veterans and active duty military members with a range of benefits to reduce the lifetime cost of owning an adult dog or cat from our shelter.
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.
| Pet Adoption Hours | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
| Sunday and Monday | Closed |
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.
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)
| Dogs |
|---|
| Fee $17 includes 1 year license if applicable |
| Fee $20 includes 3 year license if applicable |
All Other Pets
No adoption fees (but please research the housing, food and social needs of any animal before adopting).
- 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
Foster Program
Anne Arundel County Animal Services is looking to expand its current foster program. Fosters are Anne Arundel County residents who take shelter pets temporarily into their homes, usually because the animals are underage, have medical needs and/or are not thriving in a shelter environment. Foster homes also increase the shelter's capacity to care for more animals at times when the shelter itself is very full.
Fostering is an excellent way to enjoy life with a pet without the long-term commitment of adopting. Once approved as a foster, you will be notified when certain pets are available to be fostered, but you are never "required" to foster. Our foster coordinator will work with you if any questions or issues arise, and we at a minimum will provide veterinary care for the pet while it is with you.
How to Apply
Please contact (410) 222-3892 or email foster@aacounty.org if you have questions about the foster program.