Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question for more information. If you have a question that’s not answered here, email us at info@aacspca.org.
General
What does SPCA stand for?
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Are you the same as Animal Control?
No, Anne Arundel County Animal Control and the SPCA of Anne Arundel County (AACSPCA) are independent of each other.
The AACSPCA is a private, non-profit animal welfare organization. Anne Arundel County Animal Control is county-funded and enforces all Animal Control Laws, responds to animal related complaints, and conducts investigations of cruelty and problem situations.
If I make a donation to a national organization, does the AACSPCA receive any of it?
No. National organizations including the ASPCA in New York, the Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association do not financially support our shelter or any other shelters. Potential contributors sometimes mistakenly send a donation intended for our SPCA (the SPCA of Anne Arundel County) to one of the national organizations, but we don’t benefit from this.
Do you receive any money from the government?
The AACSPCA receives no funding from city, county, state, or federal government. We are supported by private donations.
Does the AACSPCA care for wildlife or wild animals?
Although the AACSPCA are advocates for humane treatment of all animals, wild and domestic, our primary concern is for the humane care of companion animals such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and other animals that people keep as pets.
We are not, unfortunately, set up to care for wild animals. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources handles wildlife issues in Anne Arundel County. Please consult their Wildlife Problems page for information about how to handle sick or injured wild animals.
Adoptions
Can I fill out the pet profile before I come to the AACSPCA?
Yes. It will save you time if you fill out the pet profile for the animal you are surrendering before you come to the AACSPCA. We have both forms available here for download.
Do I need to live in Anne Arundel County to adopt a pet?
No, we adopt animals to good homes throughout the area.
Why do you screen adopters?
Every animal has a different personality and requirements. We screen adopters to make sure animals are placed in safe and healthy homes that are the right fit for the temperament, energy level, and lifestyle requirements.
How long do animals remain in the shelter?
All adoptable animals will stay in the shelter until adopted unless the animal contracts a contagious, non-treatable illness or becomes behaviorally un-adoptable. The AACSPCA does not place a limit on the amount of time adoptable animals stay in the shelter. As long as they stay happy and healthy, they’ll stay at the AACSPCA, waiting for homes.
What kind of veterinary care do the AACSPCA’s animals receive?
Our veterinarian, along with the assistance of the animal caretakers, ensures healthy animals stay healthy. They diagnose and treat sick or injured animals, and care for any animals that may become sick during their shelter stay.
All kittens, cats, puppies and dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and current on age-appropriate vaccinations prior to being available for adoption. All rabbits are spayed or neutered, and male guinea pigs are neutered, prior to being available for adoption.
Services
Does the SPCA of Anne Arundel County (AACSPCA) offer low cost spay and neuter services?
The AACSPCA Clinic now offers low cost spay and neuter services to the public, for both dogs and cats. To learn more, please visit this page.
Please call our clinic at 410-268-4388 x123 or email clinic@aacspca.org to schedule an appointment.
I want to keep my pet, but I have financial constraints. What services do you offer?
We offer low-cost spay/neuter clinic, a low-cost vaccine clinic, and a pet food bank. Please click on the links to learn more.
Does the AACSPCA have a boarding kennel?
No, we do not offer boarding services. We recommend that you ask your veterinarian, neighbors, friends, etc. for their recommendations of a reputable boarding facility. We also recommend that you visit the kennel/cattery prior to leaving your pet to be sure you are comfortable with the staff and facility.
How do I surrender an animal to the AACSPCA?
If you are surrendering a pet, please follow the directions below:
- Call our shelter office (410-268-4388) if you have questions concerning the relinquishment of your pet.
- Locate your pet’s previous veterinary and vaccination records, if possible, to bring with you.
- You will need to show us a current driver’s license or other official identification.
- Bring your pet to the AACSPCA’s Incoming building – the first building on your left as you enter the driveway.
- All dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in a carrier. If you need a leash or carrier please leave your pet in your car and ask to borrow one from our shelter staff.*
- You will need to complete and sign a give-up form and complete a pet profile.
- We appreciate and depend on your donation.
PLEASE NOTE:
Once your animal has been signed in to us:
- We will not return the animal if you change your mind and want it back.
- We do not release any information regarding the health or placement of your pet once it has been signed in to the AACSPCA.
* When the weather is warm do no leave your pet in your car—call us from your car when you arrive and we will bring a form to you.
Volunteering
What kind of commitment are volunteers required to fulfill?
Our volunteers are required to commit a minimum of six months of active service and volunteer 6 hours per month.
I need to perform community service hours. Can I volunteer at the AACSPCA?
We cannot accommodate high school or college students who are required to fulfill short-term community service hours. The AACSPCA will not grant community service hours for any volunteer unless they have been an active volunteer for 6 months prior to requesting verification of service hours.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Volunteers between the ages of 13-17 can assist as a volunteer with an adult volunteer mentor over the age of 25. The adult volunteer mentor must be a parent or legal guardian, or another adult recommended by a parent. Both the teenager and adult volunteer must attend volunteer orientation and shelter training and must always volunteer together.
Can I bring my child with me to volunteer?
We welcome volunteers over the age of 13 if accompanied by a parent or an adult mentor. All volunteers, including your teen volunteer, must complete our volunteer orientation session.
Lost/Found Animals
I have found a domestic animal. What should I do?
Anne Arundel County
If you have found a stray animal in Anne Arundel County and are unable to locate an owner please call Anne Arundel County Animal Control at 410-222-8900. You should also check the Animal Control website where you can post a report of a found animal as well as view a list of lost animals. Stray animals are handled by Anne Arundel County Animal Control’s shelter in Millersville.
If a stray animal found in Anne Arundel County that is brought to the AACSPCA will be signed in on our “stray animal” form. The animal will be transported by Animal Control to their facility where it has the best chance of being reunited with its owner.
Note: Taking a stray animal you have found directly to Animal Control is less stressful on the lost pet.
Remember — we are not able to keep strays – they must go to Animal Control in Millersville.
Other Counties
If you have found a stray animal outside of Anne Arundel County, please contact the Animal Control that services that county or city to give the animal the best chance of being reunited with its owner.
NOTE: If you have found an animal, please bring it to the shelter nearest to the area it was found. This helps increase the chance that the pet will be reunited with its owner. If you bring an animal found in another county or state to a shelter in a different location, the owner may not know to look there. See our list of area animal control agencies.
I lost my pet. What should I do?
Stray animals in Anne Arundel County are handled by Anne Arundel County Animal Control in Millersville. Please see their Lost Pets form.You should also view their list of found animals.
You must go in person to Animal Control as soon as you can to see if your pet is there. We recommend returning every few days.
NOTE: Stray animals brought to AACSPCA are transported by Animal Control to their shelter.
The AACSPCA keeps a Lost File of missing or found pets in the county. Call 410-268-4388 to report a lost pet to us.
I have found an injured or trapped wild animal / bird. What should I do?
Visit the Maryland State Department of Resources website for a list of wildlife rehabilitators.
Animal Laws
Do I need a license for my dog or cat? Where can I get a license for my pet?
Yes. Any dog or cat residing in Anne Arundel County that is 4 months of age or older must have an Anne Arundel County License. Proof of a current rabies vaccination is required to obtain a license.
Licenses may be purchased by mail or in person at:
Anne Arundel County Animal Control
411 Maxwell Frye Road
Millersville, Maryland 21108
Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00am – 3:00pm.
Phone: 410-222-8900
Where can I report a case of cruelty to animals?
In Anne Arundel County, cruelty complaints are handled by Anne Arundel County Animal Control, a division of the county police department.
Phone: 410-222-8900
Where can I learn more about animal laws in Anne Arundel County?
You can learn more on the Anne Arundel County Website. They have an excellent FAQ section that covers the following:
-
How do you get to Animal Control?
-
What are Animal Control’s hours of operation?
-
Field Services Hours of Operation
-
What are Anne Arundel County’s adoption requirements?
-
How long does Animal Control keep animals once they are picked up?
-
Does Animal Control offer rabies shots?
-
What should you do about wildlife outside?
-
How can I get my animal that was picked up back from Animal Control?
-
Does Animal Control perform owner requested euthanasia services?
-
Does Animal Control offer low cost spaying or neutering?
-
What is Anne Arundel County’s trapping policy?
-
What animals in Anne Arundel County have to be licensed?
-
What can I do about that barking dog or crowing rooster?
-
What does an owner have to provide if a dog is kept outside?
-
What should I do if I know someone is not providing proper shelter for their dog?
-
What should I do if I was bitten or scratched by an animal?
-
Why doesn’t Animal Control respond to my call after hours?
-
What is Anne Arundel County Animal Control’s policy on Pit Bulls?
-
What forms of payment does Anne Arundel County Animal Control accept?
-
If I am having a repeated issue with an animal owner violating or allowing their animal(s) to be in violation of the Anne Arundel County Code and unfortunately the violations are not able to be witnessed by an Animal Control Officer is there anything that can be done?
-
If I witness an animal with a Potentially Dangerous Order or Dangerous Order in violation of the Order is there anything that can be done?
-
If I want to obtain a copy of a Potentially Dangerous Order or Dangerous Order for a dog in my community can I obtain these records?
-
I am interested in owning chickens or ducks and live on a property less that 40,000 square feet, what do I do?
-
What do I do if I am missing my pet?
Please visit their website to learn more about animal welfare and laws in Anne Arundel County.
Other
My pet has a medical emergency and my veterinarian’s office is closed. Is there a veterinary hospital open 24 hours?
The Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with or without an appointment.
Phone: 410-224-0331
Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic
808 Bestgate Road
Annapolis, MD 21401
Can you recommend a veterinarian?
We maintain a list of local veterinarians who have generously donated to the AACSPCA.
How can I learn more about Pit Bull Terriers?
Some useful information is available at www.pitbulls.org.
Where can I find a dog park in Anne Arundel County?
There are two regional and three community off-leash dog parks in the county. For the locations, visit the county’s Recreation and Park website.
