Pet Information

Guidelines to Animal Control in Baltimore, Maryland

Article 11 of the Baltimore City Health Code; Article 19 of the Police Ordinance; and Article 27 of the Annotated Code of Maryland aim to install in the public a sense of responsible pet ownership. These articles enforce maintenance of a clean pet environment and to ensure humane treatment of pets. Here is an outline of what is to be expected of animal owners and others.

  1. Dogs 4 months of age and older must have a valid license. For information call (410)396-4688 or 4689
  2. Dogs and cats 4 months of age and older must have a valid rabies vaccination and periodic boosters. For more info about low cost rabies vaccinations call (410)396-4688
  3. No owner shall fail to exercise proper care and control of her animals to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance. Residents are encouraged to report animal problems immediately.
  4. Residents who are having a problem with stray cats and other wild animals may request a humane trap from the Bureau of animal control. Animal Wardens will retrieve trapped animals.
  5. Dogs must wear license tags whenever out in public.
  6. Dogs outdoors must be restrained to prevent dog bites, damage to property, spread of disease to other animals and people, turning over garbage cans, creating insanitary conditions and indiscriminate breeding.
  7. Cat owners should keep their cat indoors or restrained safely outdoors with a figure-eight harness and leash.
  8. Animal bites must be reported to the local health department and/or police.
  9. Dogs or cats involved in a biting incident must be kept under surveillance in isolation for a period designated by a Health Officer and must then be examine by a license Veterinarian.
  10. A bite victim or parent/guardian of a bite victim can swear out a complaint against the owner of the animal at the nearest district court.
  11. Anyone who owns three or more dogs and/or cats needs a kennel permit. For more information call (410) 396-4688.
  12. The premises of all permit holders are subject to inspection by City Health Department personnel, and permits can be revoked for cause.
  13. Animals must be provided with sufficient food, water, and shelter daily and veterinary care when needed.
  14. Premises housing animals must be kept in a clean and sanitary condition, and must be in good repair.
  15. Owners are responsible for the removal of excreta deposited by their animals on public sidewalks, recreation areas and private property. Excrement should be frequently and thoroughly cleaned up to prevent odors and bacterial growth.
  16. It is illegal to abandon a pet. Unwanted dogs and cats are routinely accepted by the Bureau of Animal Control. Call (410) 396-4688 for more information.
  17. A fee is charged for releasing an impounded animal. There is a daily boarding fee as well. Repeated impoundments could lead to increased penalties and/or the animal could become property of the City.
  18. No person (s) may import into Maryland, offer for sale, trade, barter or exchange a wild animal as a household pet.
  19. Whenever an animal disturbs the peace, two or more persons from separate households should make an official complaint with the Police Department. A complaint number is then issued to be presented to a Judicial Officer of the District Court. The Judicial Officer, through the Police Department, will then serve a notice to the owner.
  20. All commercial animal establishments must obtain a permit and be subject to inspection.
  21. All animal establishments must be maintained in a sanitary condition and must be in accordance with prescribed rules and regulations.
  22. Cruelty to animals is punishable under the law.
  23. Giving away live animals as prizes or as inducements to do business is prohibited.
  24. An operator of a motor vehicle that hits a domestic animal must render assistance to the animal and report the incident to the Police or Animal Control.
  25. No person may expose any known poison to pets.
  26. Small chicks or ducklings may be sold or given away only in quantities of 25 or more.
  27. Whenever a female dog or cat is in heat, it must be confined and isolated in a building. Exceptions will be made only for planned breeding.
  28. The Health Department encourages all pet owners to spay or neuter their pets.
  29. No animal may be surrendered for research.
  30. Failure to obey the Animal Control Ordinances will result in the prosecution of offenders and appropriate penalties.
  31. A vicious or dangerous dog must be confined to the real property of its owners. If said animal goes beyond this area, it must be leashed and muzzled or caged.
  32. Farm animals such as chickens, ducks, pigeons, goats, horses, cows, etc. shall not be kept as pets without a zoning permit.