SPCA Frequently Asked Questions
- What does SPCA stand for?
- What's the difference between the SPCA and other animal groups, like "the pound?"
- Are you a "no-kill" adoption center?
- How long do you keep the animals at your adoption center?
- I need to put my pet up for adoption. Can I bring it to you?
- I lost my pet. Where are you located and when are you open?
- There are stray pets in my neighborhood. Can you come pick them up?
- I need to have my pet put to sleep. What can I do?
- I'm having difficulties with my pet. Can you help me?
- I think someone is abusing/neglecting their pet. Can you help?
- Do you take rabbits or reptiles?
- Do you board animals?
- Does the SPCA provide free or low-cost veterinary care?
What does SPCA stand for?
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. There are many
organizations with SPCA as part of their names, but they are not affiliated
organizations, and there is no national SPCA. SPCA is now a common name used to
describe animal adoption centers.
What's the difference between
the SPCA and other animal groups, like "the pound?"
We are a private, non-profit organization, not a municipal or government agency.
The SPCA does not receive any tax support for any of its services, so we depend
upon donations and adoption fees to operate.
Are you a
"no-kill" adoption center?
The Maryland SPCA is committed to not euthanizing healthy animals. Some animals are sadly not able to be adopted—those with serious medical or behavioral problems. We've made great progress saving lives, reducing euthanasia by 75% since 2004.
2007 Lifesaving Highlights:
- High-volume spay/neuter in the community—over 6,000 surgeries, a record!
- TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) of feral cats in the community—over 500 surgeries
- Adopting pets into loving homes—over 3,000 animals
- Taking animals in from local shelters—over 1,000 pets
- Providing behavior support and classes—over 400 pets and people served
- Providing help for pet owners to keep or rehome their pets
How long do you keep the animals at
your adoption center?
There is no set time limit for how long an animal can remain in our adoption
center. As long as an animal maintains general good health and a sound
temperament, we'll keep a pet until it is adopted.
I need to put my pet up for adoption.
Can I bring it to you?
Before bringing your pet to any adoption center, please try other sources, such as friends
and family members who may be able to care for your pet. We've created a Re-Homing section to give you information and tools to help you find a new home for your pet.
If you are unable to find someone to take care of your pet, you can call The Maryland SPCA at 410-235-8826, ext. 100, and make an appointment to bring us your pet. Your pet will be evaluated before it can be placed up for adoption. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee that your pet will qualify for our adoption program. If your pet does not meet our requirements, we can talk to you about other options.
There is a $25 fee per animal or litter to help us cover the cost of caring for the animals. We receive no funding from the government or national animal groups to pay for their care.
I lost my pet. Where are you located
and when are you open?
We're happy to help reunite you with your pet! Check out our Lost & Found page to find out all you need to know.
There are stray pets in my
neighborhood. Can you come pick them up?
No. The SPCA is unable to come out and pick up stray animals; however, we can
offer you some suggestions. If there is a stray dog or cat in your
neighborhood, you can try to locate the owner by contacting your local Animal Control. Baltimore City Animal Control
can be reached by calling 311. Baltimore County Animal Control can be reached
by calling 410-887-5961.
I need to have my pet put to sleep.
What can I do?
The Maryland SPCA provides humane euthanasia for pets. For this service, there is a $35 fee for cats and a $45 fee for dogs. If you would like the cremains returned, you can request a
private cremation. Click here for a list of fees for this service. Owners
cannot be present during euthanasia.
I'm having difficulties with
my pet. Can you help me?
Yes. You can visit
our behavior section (dogs or cats) to help
answer your pet questions.
I think someone is abusing/neglecting
their pet. Can you help?
The Maryland SPCA
does not investigate animal neglect or cruelty. Contact your local Animal
Control about your concerns. Baltimore-Area Animal Control agencies are listed
here.
Do you take rabbits or reptiles?
We are only equipped to care for and adopt out dogs and cats. If you have another type of animal you need to re-home, you can post the animal on our website or you can try rescue groups that specialize in the type of pet you have. Here is a good listing of pet rescues. You can also post these pets on Petfinder.com.
Do you board animals?
No, the
SPCA is not a boarding facility. We shelter and care for needy animals that are
looking for new homes.
Does the SPCA provide free or low-cost veterinary care?
We provide low-cost spay/neuter surgeries to low-income owners of pit bulls and cats. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to assist the general public with medical care for their pets. Our Vet Care Basics brochure lists organizations that may be able to help with low-cost care.
