Organizations vary between open-admission municipal facilities and private, foster-based rescues that do not operate a public viewing kennel. Choosing where to adopt depends on whether you want to walk through on-site kennels or submit an application online before meeting dogs in private homes. Adoption fees, home visit requirements, and hold periods for stray animals differ significantly across locations.
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Frederick County Humane Society
1786 N Market St, Frederick, MD 21701
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
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Frederick County Animal Control
1832 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21702
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Animal Welfare League of Frederick County
1202 E Patrick St #13a, Frederick, MD 21701
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House of Puddles
4422 Reels Mill Rd, Frederick, MD 21704
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Jenn's Uncommon Critters
5318 Wye Creek Dr, Frederick, MD 21703
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Barn Cat Buds - Frederick County, Maryland & nearby
Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21701
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The Cat's Pajamas Bed & Breakfast
9539 Liberty Rd, Frederick, MD 21701-3246
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Frederick County Humane Society
217 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701-6933
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Bourbon County Rescue
1275 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21702-4866
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Maryland SPCA
3300 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211
Mon-Fri 1pm-7pm, Sat 12am-5pm
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BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter)
2490 Giles Rd, Baltimore, MD 21230
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Animal Allies Rescue Foundation
400 E Cross St, Baltimore, MD 21230-4797
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The Baltimore Animal Rescue And Care Shelter (barcs)
2490 Giles Rd, Baltimore, MD 21225-1011
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Kuddles & Kisses K-9 Rescue
5036 Erdman Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205
Columbia 4
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Howard County Animal Control and Adoption Center
8576 Davis Rd, Columbia, MD 21045-2632
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Tara's House
8775 Centre Park Dr Ste 258, Columbia, MD 21045-2177
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Howard county animal welfare society
8556 Davis Rd, Columbia, MD 21045
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Friends of Rabbits
10706 Vista Rd, Columbia, MD 21044
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Humane Society of Washington County
13011 Maugansville Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Mon-Tue 10am-6pm, Wed 1pm-6pm, Thu-Sat 10am-6pm
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Promise Animal League
11000 Bower Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Tue-Wed 10am-5pm, Fri 1pm-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm
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Pet Retreat at Paramount Farms
21538 Leitersburg Smithsburg Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21742-4936
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Pets Vacationland
10138 Garis Shop Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21740
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Baltimore Humane Society Memorial Park
1601 Nicodemus Rd, Reisterstown, MD 21136
Mon 12am-4pm, Tue-Sun 12am-5pm
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Kitty Castle
2100 Brookmead Ct, Reisterstown, MD 21136-4007
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Wilde Acres
6225 Glen Falls Rd, Reisterstown, MD 21136
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Association For Animal Rights
67 Main St, Reisterstown, MD 21136
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Humane Society of Wicomico County
5130 Citation Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804
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A Pet For Life
28215 Log Cabin Rd, Salisbury, MD 21801
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The Doghouse
31241 Dog House Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804
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Mid Atlantic Bird Rescue
6361 Crockett Ln, Salisbury, MD 21801
Thurmont 4
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Andelain Farms
14740 Mud College Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788
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Top Notch Draft Horse Rescue 501c3
11917 Wilhide Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788
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Black Mountain View Farm Draft Rescue
11819 Whates Ln, Thurmont, MD 21788
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Dear Bought Farm Rescue
8110 Old Kiln Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788-1232
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Prince George's County Animal Shelter
3750 Brown Station Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Mon 12pm-4pm, Tue-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12pm-4pm
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Thoroughbred Placement Resources
13130 Molly Berry Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
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resq_animalsofpgcomd
3750 Brown Station Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-9358
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Dave the Snake Guy
12221 Van Brady Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
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Humane Society of Carroll County
2517 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158-2230
Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
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Happy Paws Luxury Cat Lodging
4219 Turkeyfoot Rd, Westminster, MD 21158
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Maryland Animal Rescue
1255 Cherrytown Rd, Westminster, MD 21158-1528
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Carroll County Humane Society
Westminster, MD
Abingdon 3
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Shadow Cats Tnr (fka Best Friends In Harford County)
2945 Emmorton Rd # 258, Abingdon, MD 21009-7511
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Mulli's Mission Refuge & Rescue
2635 Laurel Valley Garth, Abingdon, MD 21009-1556
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Moonburn Farms
1009 Hookers Mill Rd, Abingdon, MD 21009-1115
Elkton 3
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Rebel Ridge Farms Inc
295 Woods Rd, Elkton, MD 21921
Mon-Sun 7am-9am
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Second-Hand Serpents Reptile Rescue
55 Augustine Herman Hwy Suite C2, Elkton, MD 21921
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Pet-Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services
14 South Pkwy, Elkton, MD 21921-2050
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Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue
10236 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042-3616
Tue 11am-3pm, Thu 5pm-8pm, Fri 11am-3pm, Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 12pm-3pm
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Burleigh Manor Animal Sanctuary
3950 White Rose Way, Ellicott City, MD 21042
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Animal Advocates of Howard County
Ellicott City, MD
La Plata 3
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Treasure's of the Ark
11 N Maple Ave Ste 104, La Plata, MD 20646
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Little Beans Orphan Ark Rescue
Crain Hwy, La Plata, MD 20646
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Next Chapter Parrot Rescue, Inc
8989 Hillary Ct, La Plata, MD 20646
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Rude Ranch Animal Rescue
672 Old Mill Rd Unit 250, Millersville, MD 21108
Mon-Thu 7am-4pm
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Country Critters
8103 Foxwell Rd, Millersville, MD 21108
Mon-Sat 9am-7pm
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Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control
411 Maxwell Frye Rd, Millersville, MD 21108
Mt Airy 3
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Farm Sweet Farm Animal Rescue
2415 McHenry Dr, Mt Airy, MD 21771-8729
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Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue
17250 Old Frederick Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771-3616
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Tails of Hope Sanctuary
Mt Airy, MD 21771
Phoenix 3
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Defenders of Animal Rights
14412 Old York Rd, Phoenix, MD 21131
Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm
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PurrsnicKitty, LLC
2720 Merrymans Mill Rd, Phoenix, MD 21131
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TRU Rescue
14320 Jarrettsville Pike, Phoenix, MD 21131
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Chesapeake Cats and Dogs
326 Wye Mills Rd, Queenstown, MD 21658-1517
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Angel's Pet Resort and Rescue
328 Cherry Ln, Queenstown, MD 21658
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Animal Welfare League of Queen Anne's County
201 Clay Dr, Queenstown, MD 21658-1653
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Montgomery County Humane Society
601 S Stonestreet Ave, Rockville, MD 20850-4131
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
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MCHS Adoptable Pets
14645 Rothgeb Dr, Rockville, MD 20850-5312
Mon–Fri 9am–6pm
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Home At Last Sanctuary
No animals at this location, 11140 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
Waldorf 3
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Humane Society Of Charles County
71 Industrial Park Dr, Waldorf, MD 20602
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Last Chance Animal Rescue
8500 Bensville Rd, Waldorf, MD 20603-4053
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Last Chance Animal Rescue
4499 Leonardtown Rd, Waldorf, MD 20601-3654
Berlin 2
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Piper's Pampering Paws
260 Ocean Pkwy, Berlin, MD 21811
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Worcester County Humane Society
12330 Eagles Nest Rd, Berlin, MD 21811
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DogtownMaryland
14200 Brandywine Rd, Brandywine, MD 20613
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Donkey Farm
3106 Floral Park Rd, Brandywine, MD 20613
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Paws for Life
PO Box 407, Chesapeake City, MD 21915
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Cecil County Animal Services
3280 Augustine Herman Hwy, Chesapeake City, MD 21915
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The Animal Care Shelter for Kent County
10168 Worton Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620-3502
Tue-Sat 11am-4pm
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Humane Society Of Kent County
10720 Augustine Herman Hwy, Chestertown, MD 21620-3228
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Allegany County Animal Shelter
716 Furnace St, Cumberland, MD 21502-1564
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-3pm
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PUPS Check In
446 N Mechanic St, Cumberland, MD 21502
Eden 2
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K9 Heeling
28417 Old Eden Rd, Eden, MD 21822
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Pet Palace
26666 Cottman Rd, Eden, MD 21822
Fallston 2
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The Humane Society of Harford County
2208 Connolly Rd, Fallston, MD 21047
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Fallston animal rescue
2725 Fallston Rd, Fallston, MD 21047
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Happy Go Lucky Mastiff Rescue
11200 MV Smith Rd NE, Flintstone, MD 21530-3045
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The Aviary
12500 Pleasant Valley Rd NE, Flintstone, MD 21530-1031
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City of Greenbelt Animal Shelter
550 Crescent Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20770
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The Suite Life At Petopia
7480 Greenway Center Dr, Greenbelt, MD 20770
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Charles County Animal Care Center
6707 Animal Shelter Rd, Hughesville, MD 20637-2921
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Travellers Rest Farm
7450 Emory Pl, Hughesville, MD 20637-2226
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Chesapeake Feline Association
88 Spring Hill Ln, North East, MD 21901
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House Of Hope Animal Rescue Inc.
PO Box 430, North East, MD 21901
Oakland 2
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Tailored K9 Services
3292 Sand Flat Rd, Oakland, MD 21550
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Garrett County Sheriff's Office Animal Shelter
152 Oakland Sang Run Rd, Oakland, MD 21550
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Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary
15200 Mt Nebo Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837-9265
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Garuda Aviary
18400 River Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837
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Calvert County Animal Shelter
5055 Hallowing Point Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678-3496
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Calvert Animal Welfare League
1040 N Prince Frederick Blvd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
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Lola's Landing Animal Rescue
2108 Theodore Rd, Rising Sun, MD 21911-2601
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Greystone Horse Rescue
1755 Principio Rd, Rising Sun, MD 21911
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Roxie's Fund
11160 Veirs Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902-2538
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D'Anais Toy Poodles
Silver Spring, MD
Towson 2
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Tara's House Animal Rescue Fostering / Volunteers, Foster Families
722 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21204-5109
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Tara's House Animal Rescue
722 Dulaney Valley Rd PMB 328, Towson, MD 21204-5109
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The Foxie G Foundation
14024 New Windsor Rd, Union Bridge, MD 21791-7838
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The Adventures of Homer
882 Banner Ave, Union Bridge, MD 21791-9334
Westover 2
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Humane Society of Somerset County
29551 Fairmount Rd, Westover, MD 21871-4065
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Somerset County Dog Control
7922 Crisfield Hwy, Westover, MD 21871-3922
Woodbine 2
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Shady Spring Pet Retreat
1001 Hoods Mill Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-2pm
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Days End Farm Horse Rescue
1372 Woodbine Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797-8514
Aberdeen 1
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The Woof Pack
226 W Bel Air Ave, Aberdeen, MD 21001-2458
Accident 1
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HART for Animals
1265 Bumble Bee Rd, Accident, MD 21520
Mon-Tue 8am-5pm, Wed 8am-7pm, Thu-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-1pm
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SPCA of Anne Arundel County
1815 Bay Ridge Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403-2824
Baldwin 1
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Baltimore County Animal Services
13800 Manor Rd, Baldwin, MD 21013-9605
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Promise Animal League
7728 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
Bowie 1
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Bowie Citizens for Local Animal Welfare (CLAW)
Bowie, MD
Boyds 1
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Gaited Advocate Intervention Team
14515 Chrisman Hill Dr, Boyds, MD 20841
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St. Mary's Animal Adoption & Resource Center
22975 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Blvd, California, MD 20653
Callaway 1
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SMAWL Cat Castle Rescue Center
20845 Callaway Village Way, Callaway, MD 20620-2206
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Baywater Animal Rescue
4930 Bucktown Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613
Tue-Sat 11am-4pm
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Maryland Council for Special Equestrians
2536 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228
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3 acres rescue
Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
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Second Chance Wildlife Center
26400 Haines Rd, Clarksburg, MD 20871
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Crisfield Cat Rescue
26268 Peach St, Crisfield, MD 21817-1247
Damascus 1
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Wilson Parrot Foundation
26613 Ridge Rd, Damascus, MD 20872
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Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat
439 W Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD 21035-2027
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
Delmar 1
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The Good Shepherd Cat Sanctuary
32600 Landing Ln, Delmar, MD 21875
Derwood 1
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Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center
7315 Muncaster Mill Rd, Derwood, MD 20855
Easton 1
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Talbot Humane
7894 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD 21601
Mon-Wed 9:30am-5:30pm, Thu 11am-7pm, Fri 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 11am-4pm
Edgewood 1
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Luna's House Animal Care and Education
2801 Pulaski Hwy, Edgewood, MD 21040
Fairplay 1
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Golden Wood
18126 Lappans Rd, Fairplay, MD 21733-1113
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Family Pet Care Center
5 Range Rd, Fort Meade, MD 20755
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Animal House
920 Sampson Rock Rd, Frostburg, MD 21532
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Second Chance Wildlife Center
7101 Barcellona Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20879-4580
Monday-Sunday 10am – 4pm
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Lost and Found Horse Rescue Foundation
15800 Darnestown Rd, Germantown, MD 20874
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The Big Purple Barn
6407 Hillmeade Rd, Glenn Dale, MD 20720
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Hill Hounds Rescue and Animal Sanctuary, Inc.
Greensboro, MD
Harwood 1
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Rude Ranch Animal Rescue
3200 Ivy Way, Harwood, MD 20776
Hebron 1
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Daisy's Farm Friends Sanctuary
7460 Rockawalkin Rd, Hebron, MD 21830
Hurlock 1
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Max Meadows Farm Equine Rescue
4620 Williamsburg Church Rd, Hurlock, MD 21643
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Outlaw Kitties TNR and Rescue
7719 Emerson Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20784
Jessup 1
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Sunshine's Friends Cat & Dog Rescue
PO Box 314, Jessup, MD 20794-0314
Keymar 1
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Orion Triple R: Rescue, Rehab, Rehome
1460 Keysville Bruceville Rd, Keymar, MD 21757-9406
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February Star Farm
3910 Ausherman Rd, Knoxville, MD 21758
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St. Mary's Animal Welfare League
Post Office Box 1232, Leonardtown, MD 20650
Lothian 1
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Nonifarm
686 Mt Zion Marlboro Rd, Lothian, MD 20711-9633
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So MD Animal Rescue
40030 Beach Dr, Mechanicsville, MD 20659-6132
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Middle Ridge Animal Rescue
4102 Valley View Rd, Middletown, MD 21769
Monkton 1
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Hodgepodge Pets, Inc
P.O. Box 42, Monkton, MD 21111
Nanjemoy 1
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K-9 Divine
2240 Liverpool Point Rd, Nanjemoy, MD 20662-3115
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Project Adopt - MD SPCA
8200 Perry Hall Blvd, Nottingham, MD 21236
Odenton 1
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Cheryl’s Rescue Ranch for Abused and Neglected Livestock Animals Odenton MD
Odenton, MD
Oldtown 1
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The Ark of Hope Rescue
13400 Arctic Ridge Ln SE, Oldtown, MD 21555-1035
Owings 1
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Freedom Hill Horse Rescue
7940 Flint Hill Rd, Owings, MD 20736
Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 9am-8pm
Oxford 1
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Golden Wood
27563 Oxford Rd, Oxford, MD 21654
Pasadena 1
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Rise Above Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
8541 Fort Smallwood Rd Store A, Pasadena, MD 21122
Potomac 1
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Rosie's Farm Sanctuary
10717 Tulip Ln, Potomac, MD 20854
Ridgely 1
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Caroline County Humane Society
407 W Belle St, Ridgely, MD 21660
Tue-Wed 11am-7pm, Thu-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 11am-3pm
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Eastern Shore Rabbit Rescue & Education Center
21267 Rock Hall Ave Unit 111, Rock Hall, MD 21661
Severn 1
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Senior Dog Sanctuary
8336 WB&A Rd, Severn, MD 21144
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Sharpsburg Area Rescue Services
110 1/2 W Chapline St, Sharpsburg, MD 21782
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Worcester County Animal Control
6207 Timmons Rd, Snow Hill, MD 21863
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Humane Society Of Calvert County
2210 Dalrymple Rd, Sunderland, MD 20689-9576
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Safe Haven Equine Warriors
12565 Indian Hill Dr, Sykesville, MD 21784-5416
Mon-Sat 8am-7pm
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Tip Me Frederick
10425 Daysville Rd, Walkersville, MD 21793-8908
Warwick 1
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Muddy Boots Horse Farm and Rescue
76 Bridle Run, Warwick, MD 21912
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Flying Duck Farm Horse Sanctuary
2600 Offutt Rd, Woodstock, MD 21163-1121
Also in Maryland
- Dog Boarding Facilities165
- Dog Trainers161
- Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers132
- Dog Parks & Off-Leash Areas86
- Indoor Dog Parks16
- Fenced Dog Parks7
- Dog Parks with Water Features7
- Pet Adoption Centers7
Good to know
What is the difference between an animal shelter and a rescue organization?
Shelters typically operate a physical facility that houses stray or surrendered animals directly on site. Rescue organizations are often run by volunteers using network foster homes, meaning animals live in private residences until adoption.
How much does it typically cost to adopt a dog?
Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $350 depending on the organization and the age of the dog. Puppies usually carry higher fees, while standard fees generally include spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, and a microchip.
Can I bring my current dog to meet a potential rescue dog?
Most organizations require or strongly encourage a controlled meet-and-greet between your existing dog and the rescue dog before finalizing an adoption. Staff or foster parents usually facilitate this interaction on neutral ground at the facility or a local park.
How long is a dog in heat?
A dog's heat cycle typically lasts for several weeks, averaging about three weeks in total. During this period, female dogs should be kept away from communal spaces across Maryland to avoid accidental breeding. Owners can explore 169 dog parks in Maryland to plan future visits once the cycle ends.
How long does a dog stay in heat?
Female dogs usually stay in heat for about three weeks, during which they can attract male dogs from significant distances. To ensure safety, restrict outdoor play to private, fully fenced yards throughout Maryland. Our guide lists 169 dog parks in Maryland for safe exercise options after the heat cycle completes.