Adopted furry friends are the most loyal canine companions you could ask for.
They come from a variety of circumstances that have led them to their current rescue, and they have so much love to offer because of it.
Unfortunately, there are homeless pups across the country that need a forever home.
This means that when you are ready to start your search for a rescue dog in Maryland, there will be plenty of pups to meet.
We want you to connect with as many rescues in your area as possible, so let’s introduce you to a list of dog rescues in Maryland below.
Finding A Dog Rescue In Maryland
Nearly 100,000 pets enter Maryland shelters each year.
This means that there is an endless rotation of pups that need a forever home, and a desperate need for rescues across the state.
Because of this, you will notice a dog rescue or shelter in a city near you, no matter where you are located in Maryland.
We have gathered a list of some of the best dog rescues in Maryland where you can go an adopt a dog from, so let’s discuss them in detail below.
1.) Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue (Ellicot City, MD)
Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue is a no-kill shelter that takes in the many abandoned or unwanted pups in their city.
They are also known for taking in dogs that may not survive in other shelter settings, as many with several ailments and behavioral struggles are not easily adopted.
Their team of passionate volunteers not only offer up their homes to the many dogs in need, but they make sure these pups find the happy future they deserve.
Each of their adoptable dogs can be found on petfinder.com where they showcase a detailed bio and photos.
Their adoption fee is a bit higher than other shelters or rescues ($350), but each dog has received an abundance of medical care that you will not have to take care of yourself.
Each adoptable dog will be sterilized, vaccinated, dewormed and deflead, receive a thorough physical exam, and will have a preventative stool check.
The shelter asks that you either fill out an application online or in person, and reach out to the staff about scheduling an appointment to meet your potential pup.
Whether the dog is in their shelter or in a foster home, they will arrange a meet and greet in prompt time.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 10236 Baltimore National Pike Ellicott City, MD 21042
- Phone: (410) 461-0516
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: smallmiraclesrescue.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
2.) Senior Dog Sanctuary (Severn, MD)
Senior Dog Sanctuary is a dog rescue that caters to the older pups in their city.
Many senior dogs are not adopted as often as their younger canine friends, leading to the ultimate euthanasia of so many.
This rescue was dedicated to not only finding homes for these deserving senior pups, but pairing them with families that are looking for a senior dog to call their own.
The Senior Dog Sanctuary works to pair their dogs with homes that fit each of their needs.
This means that you should be prepared to answer questions about your home and your dog owning experience, but this should be an easy process for those truly interested in adopting a senior dog.
They may also perform a home visit in some cases. If you do find the senior pup for you, the adoption fee is $200.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 8336 W B & A Rd, Severn, MD 21144
- Phone: (443) 742-0270
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: seniordogsanctuary.com
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
3.) The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (Baltimore, MD)
BARCS is a non-profit team that operates Maryland’s largest shelter and adoption facility.
With more than 30 animals surrendered to their shelter each day, they are always welcoming potential adopters into their doors.
With how many fosters and adopters reach out to BARCS each year, they have reached the point of saving 90% of animals brought to their shelter.
They need people like you to keep their missions live!
Their website is filled with photos of loving pups that need homes, but they urge you to come to the shelter and take a look yourself.
They mention that some dogs are not yet listed that have been dropped off recently, so you may only lock eyes with your potential forever friend by going there yourself.
The adoption fee for each dog is $75, and they will be fully vetted before they leave.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 2490 Giles Road, Baltimore, MD 21225
- Phone: (410) 396-4695
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: barcs.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
4.) Last Chance Animal Rescue (Waldorf, MD)
Last Chance is an animal rescue that pulls dogs from kill shelters around the country.
They work with over 50 high-kill shelters and over 30 Petco and PetSmart stores in the area, which allows them to be notified of the many homeless dogs that need help.
Due to the fact that Last Chance Animal Rescue takes in animals around the country, they always suggest looking on their Facebook and Petfinder page to see an up to date list of adoptable dogs.
Once you have found a pup that you are interested in, they ask that you send an email for further questions, as well as filling out their adoption form.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 8500 Bensville Rd Waldorf, MD 20603
- Phone: (301) 274-9409
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: lastchanceanimalrescue.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Twitter
5.) Rude Ranch Animal Rescue (Harwood, MD)
Rude Ranch is a unique, cageless sanctuary that cares for the many neglected, unwanted, and abused animals of their region.
It’s located on 5 acres of land in beautiful rural Maryland, and has a private section for each animal with a specific need.
So this means that senior dogs, cats, cats with viral infections, and abused pets will each have their own area that keeps them safe.
The adoption fee for their dogs is typically $125, and this includes a sterilization and vaccines if they have not yet been treated.
The rescue asks that all potential adopters fill out an adoption application on their website, along with reaching out to them to schedule a meet and greet with their animals.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 3200 Ivy Way Harwood, MD 20776
- Phone: (410) 798-9559
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: ruderanch.org
- Social Media: Facebook
6.) Luna’s House (Edgewood, MD)
Luna’s House is an animal rescue focused on educating the many pet owners of their community, while finding amazing homes for their rescued dogs in the process.
This rescue’s main focus is the animals, but they understand just how important the involvement of their community is when hoping to improve animal welfare.
Because of this, they offer educational programs and outreach to anyone that’s interested.
Aside from the unique education aspect, this rescue always has an array of adorable pups that need a forever home.
Their many adoptable dogs are listed on Petfinder, where each pup has a detailed bio about their story and personality.
As long as you live within a 50 mile radius of this organization, they are happy to arrange a meet and greet with your pup of interest.
The adoption fee is $250, and each pup is fully vetted before going to their forever home.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 2801 Pulaski Highway Edgewood, Maryland 21040
- Phone: (410) 671-2954
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: lunashouse.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
7.) Maryland SPCA (Baltimore, MD)
The Maryland SPCA is the Baltimore branch of one of the most well known animal rescue organizations, the SPCA.
These shelters are always well established, well connected, and work tirelessly to give back to the community at the same time.
This branch in particular even has a fully equipped clinic onsite, so all adoptable dogs will be fully vetted and cared for medically throughout their stay.
Their website is easily accessible and allows you to filter all adoptable dogs by size, age, and sex.
Once you do find a furry friend that you are interested in, you can read their detailed bio and schedule a meeting.
Their set adoption fee is $150, and each pup will be sterilized, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 3300 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21211
- Phone: (410) 235-8826
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: mdspca.org
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
8.) Defender Of Animal Rights Inc. (Phoenix, MD)
The Defender of Animal Rights rescue is a non-profit organization that aims to make Maryland a cruelty free zone for all furry friends.
This group was created when a group of animal lovers realized the widespread issue of animal neglect and abuse, leading them to create the organization as it is known today.
They cater to the abandoned, abused, neglected, and injured canine friends of their city, offering them a safe haven to call home until they find a forever family.
They are known for keeping dogs until they get adopted, no matter how long it may take.
You can find a list of adoptable dogs on their website, but the organization asks that you give them a call for an up to date list.
If any dogs seem like they may be the right fit for you and your family, you can schedule a visit with their team.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 14412 Old York Road, PO Box 25 Phoenix, MD 21131
- Phone: (410) 527-1466
- Website: adopt-a-pet.org
- Social Media: Facebook
9.) Maryland Animal Sanctuary & Rescue (Baltimore, MD)
MAS is a rescue that focuses on pulling animals from kill shelters that are coming close to their end.
They work closely with rescues both locally and statewide, helping to rescue as many animals as possible that are out of time.
They treat any ailments and rehabilitate any behavioral struggles, hoping to find the forever home of these furry friend’s dreams.
They aim to place every dog in a foster home, hoping to assess their true personality and offer them a space to finally feel comfortable.
The standard adoption fee for dogs and puppies is $300, and they also require a $10 application fee to review your information.
They typically suggest bringing any other dogs you have in your home to make sure everyone is a good fit, and they will ask a list of questions that apply to each individual pup.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 5143 – Baltimore, Maryland 21224
- Phone: (410) 227-3566
- Website: masrescue.org
- Social Media: Facebook
10.) Double Dog Dare Rescue (Westminster, MD)
The Double Dog Dare Rescue is an organization that works with shelters that do not have the resources to coordinate the adoption of their dogs.
This typically involves transporting at risk dogs, fostering “unadoptable” dogs, and offering a second chance to so many furry friends in need.
This organization is entirely volunteer-run, and each dog they take in will go to a foster home.
All adoptable dogs will be fully vaccinated, sterilized, and microchipped.
If they are not yet old enough to be sterilized, the rescue will take a $75 additional deposit, all of which will be given back to you once you show that your pup was sterilized at a vet’s office.
Otherwise, the standard adoption fee is $260.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: doubledogdarerescue.org
- Social Media: Facebook
11.) Saving Grace Animal Rescue (Millersville, MD)
Saving Grace Animal Rescue is an organization dedicated to ending the neglect of animals in their region.
They not only take each rescue into one of their many foster homes, but they aim to educate the public on why proper animal care is so important.
They not only want to help the animals in their care, but their community as well.
There is a list of adoptable dogs on their website, along with a detailed bio about their past and personality.
They encourage you to either send an email or give them a call if you are interested in adopting one of their dogs, and they will arrange a meeting with the current foster.
The standard adoption fee is $400 for a dog under the age of 1, and $300 for adult or senior dogs.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: PO Box 92 Millersvile, Maryland 21108
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: savinggraceanimalrescuemd.com
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
12.) Fallston Animal Rescue Movement (Fallston, MD)
Fallston Animal Rescue works to pull at-risk dogs from local kill shelters to offer them a second chance at life.
They rescue dogs that have been deemed unadoptable, dogs that have been in the shelter for long periods, and every pup in between that needs a bit of extra time to find a family.
This organotions offers these dogs grooming, medical care, behavioral therapy, and any other aid that may help them find a forever home.
They truly give them everything they need to find the future family they deserve.
Each of their adoptable dogs are listed on Petfinder with a detailed bio about their past and personality.
Their adoption fee is $350-$450 for dogs under the age of 1, $200-$300 for adult and senior dogs.
If you are interested in a certain dog and would like to know the adoption fee, we suggest reaching out to the rescue by email or phone.
Rescue and Adoption Details
- Address: 2725 Fallston Road Fallston, Maryland 21047
- Phone: (410) 557-6161
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: fallstonanimalrescue.org
- Social Media: Facebook
Adopting A Dog In Maryland
If you are a Maryland resident looking for the perfect canine friend, there is no doubt that rescue is the way to go.
There are over 100,000 animals that enter Maryland shelters each year, and thankfully, there is likely a shelter within driving distance of you.
No matter which organization you choose when looking for a rescue dog, you will find an array of adorable faces that would love to go home with you.
Once you do find a pup that is perfect for your family, be sure to ask the rescue as many questions as possible about their past.
By understanding what led them to the shelter, you can better accommodate their needs as they adjust to your home.
It may take a bit of time for everyone to adjust, but the effort and patience will always be worth it.
Final Thoughts On Adopting A Dog From A Rescue In Maryland
Rescuing a dog is one of the best things you will ever do as an animal lover.
Their gratitude will be rewarded tenfold, and you will always have a loyal furry friend at your side.
Thank you for choosing adoption and gifting a rescue pup with the forever family they deserve!