About BARCS
The
Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is the largest companion animal shelter in Maryland, caring for over 12,000 animals annually, including dogs, cats, small companion animals, wildlife, farm animals, and exotics. As an open-admission shelter, BARCS does not turn away any animal in need of shelter, food, or care, providing refuge to every abandoned, neglected, abused, lost, or surrendered animal that comes through our doors.
In addition to sheltering animals, BARCS supports pet owners in the community by offering a variety of free and low-cost resources to help keep pets in their homes. These services help more than 5,000 owned pets each year and include pet food, supplies, and low-cost veterinary care for those facing financial hardship. Each day, individuals come to BARCS to reclaim lost pets, adopt new family members, join our foster and volunteer programs, and access resources that promote responsible pet ownership.
BARCS is committed to improving the community by providing humane care for homeless animals and offering essential support to pet owners, ensuring that more pets can remain with their families and thrive in loving homes.
About BARCStoberfest
BARCStoberfest is an annual, large-scale, pet-friendly festival and fundraiser that benefits the lifesaving programs and animal care at the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS). The Patterson Park festival includes the annual "Ready, Set, SNIFF!" 5K Run/Half-Mile Pet Parade, Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest, Barkin' Beer Garden vendors, kids’ activities, and more! Fundraising leading up to BARCStoberfest raises critical funding for Maryland’s highest volume, an open-admission shelter serving 12,000 animals per year. Our goal this year is $400,000 and all donations raised from the Can Art Contest go towards this goal. So please join us to raise funds for our community's needy animals!