Abandoning an animal

Abandoning an animal is illegal! Animals abandoned on the Humane Society's property are required by Baltimore County law to be turned over to Baltimore County Animal Control. Leaving an animal on our property (with or without information about the animal) is considered abandonment and the animal will be taken to animal control. Please call during normal business hours to arrange a surrender appointment.

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The Baltimore Humane Society understands that circumstances may arise that require individuals to relinquish their companion animals. We strongly encourage that before relinquishing your pet to our facility, that you explore the possibility of finding your animal a new home through your personal networks of friends, co-workers, family and acquaintances.  Few things are more truamatic for a pet than losing his/her family.  Please be sure to consider the following first: 

1. Is the dog spayed or neutered? This simple procedure can have a dramatic impact on some behaviors, and there are low-cost spay/neuter operations available.

2. Consult with an animal behaviorist, dog trainer or obedience school. Many of these classes and consultations are very inexpensive and yet have amazing results. Often times, behavioral problems can be resolved with a little patience and creativity as well...

3. Discuss the problem with your vet. Your vet may be able to suggest a training method or even a medication to eliminate the problem.

If you are unable to locate a home for your animal, and you would still like to relinquish your pet to the Baltimore Humane Society please read our guidelines carefully. Surrendering an animal is an important decision for both you and for the Baltimore Humane Society and should be handled as so.

If you have found a stray animal, please contact your local animal control agency for more information:

Baltimore County Animal Control... 410-887-5961
Baltimore City Animal Control... 410-396-4688

Surrender Guidelines

  • You must be the caregiver of the animal.
  • The Humane Society accepts pets by appointment only.
  • Please have the caregiver call 410-833-8848 x203/204 to schedule an appointment. We sometimes have a "waiting list" but attempt to help each animal as we can. Since we are a NO-KILL organization, we sometimes have animals that are here for a bit longer before finding them a "forever" home. We help people as we can and as soon as a cage becomes vacant, we attempt to fill them immediately. In addition, please be mindful of the fact that there is limited space and we are trying our very best to find these pets the homes they deserve.
  • You will be asked to provide us with any previous medical history and to complete a personality profile for each animal. Unfortunately, there are some instances when we cannot accommodate certain animals due to age/medical/behavioral issues.
  • The Humane Society receives no public funding and survives on the generosity of caring individuals. To compensate, the Humane Society does charge the following relinquishment fees:
Cat or small animal: $35
Dog: $45
The relinquishment fee helps cover a small portion of the cost to care for the animal while it is at our facility.  We will work with you if you have difficulty paying the fee.