Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter: Adoption & Pet Help 2026
Whether you’re planning to adopt a new companion or searching for a missing family pet, the most useful place to start is Anne Arundel County Animal Services at 411 Maxwell Frye Road, Millersville, MD 21108.
The county operates its own animal shelter, public animal-control response and programs for adoption, fostering, reclaiming pets, licensing and rabies prevention. Knowing which service you need can save you an unnecessary trip.
Quick answer: The Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter is in Millersville, Maryland. Public adoption viewing runs Tuesday–Saturday, with extended Wednesday hours. The main number is 410-222-8900. General adoption fees are $40 for dogs and $30 for cats, with lower senior-pet fees and an adoption-fee waiver for eligible veterans.
The county currently advertises an additional adoption opening from 10 AM to 3 PM on that date. This is a special event, not a permanent change to its usual Sunday-closed schedule.
Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter Hours
Animal viewing, administrative services and officer response use different schedules. For adoption, pay attention to the animal-viewing hours rather than the broader field-service schedule.
| Day / service | Hours | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–3 PM | Adoption viewing |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–6 PM | Extended weekday hours |
| Thursday / Friday | 10 AM–3 PM | Adoption viewing |
| Saturday | 10 AM–2:30 PM | Animal gallery closes earlier than the administrative office |
| Sunday / Monday | Normally closed | Watch for separately announced special Sunday openings |
| Animal-control officers | Mon–Fri 7 AM–8 PM; Sat 8 AM–4 PM | Routine field calls, not kennel viewing |
How to Adopt a Pet From Anne Arundel County Animal Services
Adopting a dog or cat is often a same-day process after approval, but the county uses a pre-screening system. A pet shown online is not necessarily eligible to leave immediately, and another applicant may have submitted a complete pre-screen first.
Browse the current shelter animals
Open the official Animals at Our Shelter gallery. Review the dog, cat and critter categories and note which pets interest you.
Check the animal’s status
Some pets are on a stray hold, medical or behavior observation, awaiting reunion or already have an adoption pre-screen pending. A photo is not a guarantee of immediate adoption availability.
Complete the adoption pre-screen
On the official adoption page, open the Adoption Pre-Screen Form. Prepare the completed form and supporting documents. The county allows multiple pre-screens for an animal and processes them based on when complete applications arrive.
Gather identification and pet records
Bring photo ID, address verification if your ID is outdated, rabies documentation for current dogs/cats/ferrets, and appropriate county dog-license records.
Bring your housing documents
Renters should have a lease or landlord approval and proof of any required pet deposit. Homeowners should bring the ownership documentation requested by the county.
Meet the pet and review adoption terms
Visit during adoption hours. Discuss the animal’s behavior, veterinary notes, lifestyle needs and any planned procedures before accepting responsibility for its care.
Arrange any required dog introduction
If you already own a dog, do not bring it during your first shelter visit. After selecting a dog, staff may schedule a supervised meet-and-greet; in some cases this is mandatory.
Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees 2026
The county publishes the following regular prices. Adoption fee waivers, sponsored animals and special events may affect the final charge.
Standard dog adoption
Dogs aged 7 years and older have a listed reduced adoption fee of $30.
Standard cat adoption
Cats aged 8 years and older have a listed reduced adoption fee of $20.
Small companion pets
Mice, hamsters and gerbils: $5. Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, reptiles and birds: $10.
What the dog and cat fee covers
- Spay or neuter surgery
- Distemper and rabies vaccinations
- Microchip
- Worming
- County license if applicable
The county also offers one-fee adoption arrangements for eligible kitten/cat pairs, bonded pairs and guinea pig pairs. Ask staff whether your chosen animals qualify. Adoption payments are listed as cash, check or credit card.
Which Dogs, Cats and Small Pets Are Available?
The official shelter gallery includes dogs, cats and smaller animals. Some cats are housed in the main cat room, while some listed pets are in foster homes rather than physically at the shelter.
Dogs
Ask about size, exercise needs, temperament, other-pet compatibility and whether the shelter requires a supervised introduction with your current dog.
Cats
Ask about sociability, age, medical needs and whether the animal is part of a bonded pair. Bring a secure cat carrier for pickup.
Critters
The county also lists rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles and other small pets. Ask about housing, diet and animal-specific veterinary needs.
Adoption Checklist: Documents to Bring
Identification and household details
- Photo ID
- Proof of current address if needed
- Lease and landlord approval for renters
- Homeownership documentation where requested
- Completed pre-screen and supporting documents
If you already own pets
- Current rabies proof for dogs, cats and ferrets over four months
- Current Anne Arundel County dog licenses where required
- Landlord pet-deposit proof if applicable
- Plans for a supervised dog introduction if requested
- Safe carrier, leash or restraint for the new pet
Lost or Found a Pet in Anne Arundel County
Losing a pet is frightening, especially when online listings do not immediately show a match. Anne Arundel County offers both lost-pet and found-pet reporting tools and maintains the shelter as the central local location for stray domestic animals.
My pet is missing
- Go to the county Lost & Found Pets page.
- Submit a lost-pet report using the official online reporting option.
- Review the county found-pet listing and shelter gallery.
- Visit the Millersville shelter in person; not all new animals are immediately visible online.
- Check with neighboring jurisdictions if your pet may have crossed the county border.
- Update your microchip company’s contact information.
I found a stray dog or cat
- Keep yourself and the animal safe; do not try to capture a dangerous animal.
- Check identification and contact Animal Services.
- Report the animal through the official found-pet reporting service.
- Check the lost-pet listing for an owner match.
- Arrange lawful transfer of the animal to county Animal Services.
How to Reclaim Your Pet and What It Costs
If you recognize your missing pet in the county gallery, do not assume an online message is enough to release the animal. Prepare the identification, records and applicable payment before visiting.
Confirm where your animal is held
Check the shelter gallery and contact 410-222-3919 or ACCFrontDesk@aacounty.org with the animal’s details.
Bring identity and ownership records
Prepare photo ID, photographs or vet records proving ownership and current rabies documentation for animals old enough to require it.
Resolve license and medical requirements
If required, the county can issue the applicable dog license or administer a rabies vaccination before release.
Pay the final assessed charges in person
Review your animal’s itemized reclaim costs with shelter staff. The official reclaim page specifies cash or credit for redemption.
Published reclaim charge ranges
| Charge | Published amount |
|---|---|
| Impoundment | $25–$200 |
| Boarding | $5 per day |
| Rabies vaccination if needed | $20 |
| Applicable animal license | $0–$125 |
| Citation if issued | $50–$1,000 |
| Veterinary treatment if needed | Assessed case by case |
Reclaim hours are Tuesday 10 AM–3 PM, Wednesday 10 AM–6 PM, Thursday and Friday 10 AM–3 PM, and Saturday 10 AM–2:30 PM. Monday and Sunday are normally closed.
Anne Arundel County Animal Control Services
Animal Services is a county government department responsible for shelter operations and animal-related public safety. Field officers investigate cruelty and neglect, enforce animal laws, address public safety risks and respond to appropriate stray-animal matters.
Animal cruelty and neglect
Report suspected abuse or neglect directly to Animal Services dispatch. Provide location, observations and relevant evidence.
Dog attacks and dangerous animals
Active threats need urgent dispatch routing. Non-emergency incidents can be reported through the official public-safety process.
Strays and injured animals
Animal Services handles appropriate animal-control response. Provide precise location and avoid putting yourself in danger while attempting rescue.
For a formal witnessed violation of county Article 12 that is not a cruelty or neglect emergency, the county offers a notarized Affidavit of Complaint process. For active cruelty or neglect, report directly to Animal Services dispatch rather than relying on that affidavit procedure.
Emergency & Important Local Contacts
Different numbers serve different purposes. Keep the routine shelter number separate from active-attack response and public-health questions.
General shelter, adoption and administrative inquiries
Routine field-service reports during published officer hours
County instructs callers to use 911 for emergency Animal Services response outside routine field hours and immediate life-threatening situations
Listed on the county Animal Services Public Safety page for emergency reporting after hours
Separate Annapolis city jurisdiction, as listed by county Animal Services
Anne Arundel County Department of Health rabies guidance
Owner Surrender: Giving Up a Pet Responsibly
Giving up a pet can be a painful decision. Anne Arundel County Animal Services accepts owner surrenders from county residents through an appointment process, and its FAQ states that there is no surrender charge.
Surrender contact
Call 410-222-3894 or email ACCIncoming@aacounty.org to arrange surrender during regular business hours.
Useful documents
Bring photo identification, available ownership evidence, veterinary records and a truthful history of medical, behavior and household needs. Ask staff about the process before bringing the animal.
If food or supplies are the reason you may have to give up a pet, the county also offers assistance as donated resources permit. Ask through 410-222-3919 or ACCFrontDesk@aacounty.org.
Low-Cost Rabies and Microchip Clinics
Anne Arundel County Animal Services holds low-cost rabies vaccination and microchip clinics at the Millersville campus on selected Thursdays. These are specific preventive-care events, not a general walk-in veterinary hospital.
For qualifying Anne Arundel County residents at the county clinic.
Microchip implantation at the published county clinic.
Cash or check only
Bring dogs on leashes and cats in carriers. Clinic schedules depend on weather and may be canceled.
Published upcoming 2026 clinic dates
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 22, 2026 | 12 PM–3 PM | 411 Maxwell Frye Road |
| November 5, 2026 | 12 PM–3 PM | 411 Maxwell Frye Road |
Veterinary Services at the County Shelter
Anne Arundel County has an on-site veterinarian and animal medical team for pets in shelter care and foster placements. The county says foster parents do not pay for authorized medical treatment for their county foster animals; specialist treatment is coordinated through the shelter team when necessary.
That does not establish that the shelter offers general public veterinary consultations, a 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital or unrestricted appointments with a particular veterinarian.
Anne Arundel County Dog Licensing and Rabies Rules
Dogs aged six months or older must have an Anne Arundel County license. Maryland law also requires dogs, cats and ferrets aged four months or older to have rabies vaccinations.
One-year dog license
Published county application fees include $2 for spayed/neutered dogs and $15 for unaltered dogs under the standard adult-resident category. Qualifying reduced or no-charge categories also exist.
Cat licensing change
Effective July 5, 2025, Anne Arundel County residents are no longer required to hold a county cat license. Rabies vaccination requirements remain separate.
Use the official animal-related licenses page for current application and renewal instructions.
Fostering, Volunteering and Helping Shelter Animals
Not everyone is ready to adopt permanently. For some families, fostering offers a meaningful way to help an animal recover, grow or adjust outside the shelter until adoption is possible.
Become a foster home
The county foster program is intended for Anne Arundel County residents. Review the Foster Application on the adoption/fostering page and submit it to foster@aacounty.org. Questions can be directed to 410-222-3892.
Volunteer or donate supplies
Volunteer applicants must be at least 18 and satisfy the county’s screening and pet-licensing requirements. The official Get Involved page lists volunteer opportunities and current donation needs.
Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter Map
411 Maxwell Frye Road, Millersville, Maryland 21108. The county’s shelter is located in Millersville; do not confuse it with an Annapolis government office.
Official Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter Resources
These official county resources contain the applications, current animal listings and procedures behind the tasks explained above.
Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter: Top 10 FAQs
1. Where is Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter located?
The county shelter is at 411 Maxwell Frye Road, Millersville, Maryland 21108.
2. What is the shelter’s main phone number?
Call 410-222-8900 for general Anne Arundel County Animal Services questions.
3. What are the 2026 adoption hours?
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 AM–3 PM; Wednesday 10 AM–6 PM; Saturday 10 AM–2:30 PM. Monday and Sunday are normally closed, with separately announced special openings.
4. How much does it cost to adopt a dog or cat?
Regular published fees are $40 for dogs and $30 for cats. Senior dogs aged 7+ are $30; senior cats aged 8+ are $20.
5. What documents should I bring to adopt?
Bring photo ID, proof of current address if needed, current rabies documentation for household pets, applicable dog-license records and housing or landlord approval documentation.
6. Can I adopt an animal the same day?
Often yes, once an application is approved and the animal is legally and medically available. Some pets have holds or pending pre-screens, and some dog introductions require appointments.
7. How do I report my lost pet?
Use the official county Lost & Found Pets reporting page, check found-pet and shelter listings, and visit the shelter to look for a possible match.
8. What are the reclaim fees?
The official reclaim page lists impound fees from $25 to $200, boarding at $5 daily, a $20 rabies vaccine if needed, and other applicable licensing, medical or citation charges.
9. Can I surrender my pet to the county?
Anne Arundel County residents can request an owner-surrender appointment. The county FAQ lists no surrender charge. Contact 410-222-3894 or ACCIncoming@aacounty.org.
10. Who should I call for an animal emergency?
During officer field hours, call Animal Services dispatch at 410-222-3939. For an immediate life-threatening emergency or emergency field service outside regular hours, the county directs callers to 911. Its public-safety page also lists Anne Arundel County Police at 410-222-8610 for after-hours reporting.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.