Howard County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026

Address

Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center

8576 Davis Road, Columbia, MD 21045.

Main number

410-313-2780.

Use this for adoption, lost/found reports, licensing questions, animal control and general shelter help.

After hours

410-313-2929 is listed for Animal Control after hours.

Always call 911 in an emergency.

Email

animalcontrol@howardcountymd.gov.

Useful for follow-up, pet food bank questions and sending lost/found photos when requested.

Howard County, Maryland

Use this article if you are in Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Laurel, Clarksville, Savage, Jessup, Woodbine, Fulton or nearby Howard County, MD communities.

Animal Control & Adoption Center

The official county name is Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center, and it operates the county animal shelter.

Other Howard County results

If you mean Howard County in another state, do not use these Maryland address, fee or phone details. Confirm the state before driving.

Adoptable pets

The center has animals available for adoption and links to current adoptable pets through Petfinder. Availability can change quickly.

Reports and response

Animal Control handles cruelty concerns, bites, endangered animals and county animal-control issues. Emergency danger should go to 911.

Licensing and food bank

The county page includes annual pet licensing information and a pet food bank for families needing pet food, litter or supplies.

Rules that affect your application

• There is at least a 24-hour waiting period for all adoptions.
• All household members should be part of choosing the pet.
• Household members must visit with the pet within the required timeframe.
• History of animal-control violations may affect approval.
• Some animals may not be approved for homes with children if the shelter believes it is not safe.
• Most dogs under two years old may require obedience classes.

Rules that affect life after adoption

• Animals must be household pets and part of the family.
• Animals should not be chained, tethered or confined for extended periods.
• Cats are adopted into strictly indoor homes.
• Adopted animals cannot be sold, given away, used for hunting, guarding, breeding or experimental purposes.
• If you can no longer care for the animal, it must be returned to the shelter.
• All pets must be kept according to animal-control laws and rabies requirements.

Female dog

Dogs at most: $291 female.

This can include spay, physical, pain medication, vaccines, rabies, flea treatment, heartworm test, microchip and county license where applicable.

Male dog

Dogs at most: $246 male.

Confirm the exact fee for the specific animal before adopting.

Female cat

Cats at most: $224 female.

Fees can include spay, physical, pain medication, vaccines, rabies, flea treatment, FeLV/FIV test, microchip and county license where applicable.

Male cat

Cats at most: $186 male.

Ask staff for the exact breakdown because the animal’s medical status can affect the final cost.

Dogs

Ask about age, energy, training, handling, obedience class requirements, children fit, other-dog history and exercise needs.

Cats

Cats are adopted into strictly indoor homes. Ask about confidence, litter habits, handling, children, other cats and quiet-room setup.

Ferrets

Ferret adoption may include spay/neuter and rabies costs. Ask about housing, enrichment, escape-proofing and ferret-safe care.

Rabbits

Rabbit adopters should ask about large enclosures, hay, litter habits, chewing, handling and rabbit-savvy veterinary care.

If your pet is missing

• Call 410-313-2780 during normal business hours.
• Give a detailed description: species, color, size, sex, age, collar, tags, microchip, last location and date missing.
• Send clear photos when requested.
• Check adoptable/found listings and visit if a possible match appears.
• Update microchip contact information immediately.
• Check neighboring shelters because pets can cross county lines.

If you found a domestic animal

• Report the found animal to Animal Control.
• Note the exact location, date and time found.
• Ask whether the animal should be brought to the center.
• Do not handle an aggressive, injured or traffic-endangered animal if unsafe.
• Ask about microchip scanning.
• Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following proper found-pet steps.

Owner surrender

• Call 410-313-2780 before bringing an owned animal.
• Explain the pet’s species, age, sex, medical needs, behavior and reason for surrender.
• Ask about appointment availability and required documents.
• Do not leave an animal outside or arrive without instructions.
• Ask about rehoming, food bank help or behavior resources if your goal is to keep the pet safely.

Return to owner / reclaim

• Call before visiting to confirm the animal is there and what appointment is needed.
• Bring photo ID, proof of ownership, rabies records, microchip information and current photos.
• Ask about licensing or fees that may apply.
• Bring a safe leash, carrier or transport crate.
• Confirm pickup time before arriving.

Call 911

Howard County states to always call 911 in an emergency. Use this for immediate public safety danger, active attacks or severe urgent threats.

Report animal bites

Animal bites that break the skin must be reported to Animal Control. Call 410-313-2780 ext. 0 to report a bite.

Report cruelty

Call Animal Control directly if you suspect animal cruelty. After normal business hours, the county page says to call police non-emergency at 410-313-2200.

Dogs and cats

All dog and cat owners must purchase Howard County annual licenses for their pets.

Wear the tag

Each pet should wear the license tag attached to a collar or harness unless an exemption applies.

Rabies rules

Howard County laws require dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies.

If you need help

• Email animalcontrol@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-2780 ext. 0.
• Explain what you need: dog food, cat food, litter or other supplies.
• Ask about current availability and pickup instructions.
• Call before visiting so you do not make an unnecessary trip.

If you want to donate

• Use the official wish list link if available.
• Ask what items are most needed right now.
• Do not donate open, expired or unsafe food unless staff says it is acceptable.
• Ask before dropping off bulky items.

Photo ID

Bring valid identification for adoption, reclaim, licensing, appointment services and official paperwork.

Household members

All household members should be involved in selecting the pet and must visit with the pet before adoption.

Payment method

Bring payment and confirm the exact veterinary, license and adoption fees for the animal.

Dog transport

Bring a leash, collar, harness or crate plan. Plan a calm ride home and a quiet first-day routine.

Cat carrier

Bring a secure carrier for cats. Howard County adopts cats into strictly indoor homes.

Records

For reclaim or licensing, bring photos, vet records, rabies proof, microchip details and ownership documents.

First 24 hours

• Keep the pet in a quiet starter space.
• Do not invite visitors or force every family interaction immediately.
• Use a leash or carrier during entry into the home.
• Expect stress signs such as hiding, barking, pacing, whining or reduced appetite.
• Keep adoption, microchip, vaccine and licensing papers together.

Days 2–7

• Build a steady feeding, potty, walk and rest schedule.
• Introduce children and resident pets slowly and safely.
• Schedule obedience class if required or recommended.
• Register the microchip with a national registry.
• Call early if behavior or medical concerns appear.

Arrive early

Saturday is short, and adoption approval is not instant. Give yourself enough time.

Call first

Call before reclaim, surrender, bite report, cruelty report or pet food bank visits.

Transport safely

Use carriers for cats and safe leash/crate plans for dogs or small animals.

Before visiting

• Do not confuse adoption hours with business hours.
• Do not arrive for surrender or return-to-owner service without an appointment.
• Do not assume a pet shown online is still available.
• Do not come without all household members if you are serious about adoption.
• Do not expect same-day pickup because there is at least a 24-hour waiting period.

Before adopting or reporting

• Do not adopt without understanding indoor-only cat rules, training rules or licensing requirements.
• Do not give away an adopted pet later; the animal must be returned to the shelter if you cannot keep it.
• Do not skip rabies vaccine and license responsibilities.
• Do not fail to report bites that break the skin.
• Do not wait until after hours to report active cruelty if immediate public safety is involved.