Animal Services

The Mission of the Office of Animal Control is to enforce city and state codes, rules and regulations and to investigate animal neglect and cruelty cases for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of Baltimore's human and animal residents.

The Office of Animal Control operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It receives an average of 65 calls a day and approximately 25,000 complaints annually.

Animal Protection

If you witness an animal being abused or an animal attack in progress, please call 911. If you

are concerned about an animal being neglected or suspect abuse, please call 311 or access the

Customer Service Request Online.

Animals picked up by Animal Control are turned over to the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care

Shelter, Inc. (BARCS) to find their owners or to find new owners if deemed adoptable.

How to Apply for a Pet License

Step 1: Have your pet(s) vaccinated for rabies, and keep the rabies vaccination certificate.
Step 2: Purchase a pet license tag by going directly to: http://www.petdata.com/for-pet-owners/blt

All cats and dogs over age six months must be licensed. Pet licensing is extremely important as a means of confirming that pets have been inoculated against Rabies. Rabies inoculation is necessary, even for pets that remain indoors, because bats frequently gain entry to homes and are then pursued by pets, making bites likely. Licensing helps reunite lost animals with their owners, and provides critically needed revenue to support open admission shelters, such as BARCS.

General Restrains for Dogs and Cats

All dogs or cats shall be leashed when off the premises of its owner or custodian and
under control of a person capable of handling the animal.
Unacceptable restraints for dogs and cats include:
- Shock collars
- Vlice and audible commands
- Visual commands

For more information about Animal Services, visit their website.