Baltimore animal shelter waives adoption fees after taking in 100 animals in 48 hours and reaching capacity

BALTIMORE -- A Baltimore animal shelter is urging people to adopt after taking in 100 new animals in 48 hours, officials said Tuesday. 

The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is at capacity, according to officials. The shelter is waiving adoption fees through the end of December in an effort to get some animals adopted.  

According to BARCS, most of the new animals they received are large dogs.  

"They didn't know why they were here, why they were placed in a kennel—likely their first ever. They're scared, confused and overwhelmed. They don't know what comes next," officials said.

Officials said they have been "playing Tetris" with their kennel space to ensure the new animals can fit, though they admitted they are out of space.  

BARCS is also urging people to foster some larger adult dogs.  

In August, BARCS shared a similar plea to the community, saying it had 13 more dogs than it did kennels.  

The shelter is open admission, meaning they take in animals even when they have no space. BARCS partners with the Baltimore City Animals Control and takes in animals that the agency finds. They also accept pet surrenders and strays.  

In 2023, BARCS officials said the shelter faced a financial crisis as it saw a rise in medical expenses and a huge amount of animal intake.  

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