We may call them rescues,

but in truth,

it is they who rescue us.

Programs & Services

Whether it is an aged pet, or an ill or severely injured animal, Caroline County Humane Society offers compassionate end of life care and pet cremation.

One of the biggest issues related to pet surrenders is training. We have a number of resources to improve and ensure a safe, rewarding and happy furever home.
Our pet pantry is supported by generous donations from area individuals and businesses, and is available to Caroline County residents in need

Rehome Your Pet through our Home To Home Program

Home To Home™  was created with the intent to reduce the number of animals and to reduce the stress placed on pets and their owners. .

We understand that sometimes the difficult decision must be made to surrender your pet. We are here to help.

Looking for a lost pet? Found a pet in your neighborhood? Check out resources for lost and found pets

Rabies can be prevented by keeping your animals current on vaccines. Low cost clinics are held throughout the year.

This program is designed to find homes for cats that have traditionally been deemed un-adoptable through our “normal” adoption procedures. er

In cooperation with local veterinarians, we offer low cost spay and neuter services for residents of Caroline County only

Planning ahead is the key to keeping you and your companion animals safe during a disaster

LOST & FOUND PETS

SEE A STRAY PET?

If you see a stray animal in your area, calmly call to it. If it does approach you, try to see if it does have any identification such as a collar with tags, or if the pet is willing, gently look for a tattoo on their inner thigh. If you notice the animal is nervous, or jumpy, or scared, or injured in any way, it is best to contact the shelter or animal control right away, and let them know of the situation. Taking a photo or two and sharing to social media is always helpful to reunite a runaway with their family. In no circumstances, should you ever try to capture a strange animal. You could risk your own health and safety!

SURRENDER YOUR PET

We understand that sometimes the difficult decision must be made to surrender your pet. We are here to help.

We have partnered with Home To Home™ as an additional way to help you find a safe and loving new home for your pet. Home To Home™ was created by a shelter, for shelters and rescues, to empower communities to consider rehoming their pets before surrendering to a shelter. Our organization is part of a national network that utilizes Home To Home™ as a lifesaving tool to proactively save community pets. Get started here to rehome your pet with Home To Home™


Should the above option not work first, we request that you make an appointment to surrender your pet. We would like to have the best arrangements made to make your pet the most comfortable when he or she arrives. If we are given time we may be able to find an adopter or a foster family for them so that they do not have to stay in the shelter. Please email or call so that one of our staff can assist you. info@carolinehumane.org 410-820-1600


We accept surrendered pets from Caroline County residents as well as lost animals that are found in Caroline County. There is no fee for surrendering a pet. If surrendering a pet please bring all veterinary records with you. In order to surrender we ask that you fill out an animal acquisition and an owner profile if appropriate. To turn in a found animal we ask that you fill out one form with your information and where the animal was found.

CCHS PET PANTRY

NO PET SHOULD EVER GO HUNGRY

We offer a public pet pantry for residents of Caroline County. The pantry provides food for cats
and dogs when their owners are not able to provide for them. Our pet pantry is entirely supported by generous donations from individuals and businesses. While we do not require proof of need, we hope that this resource will only be used by those who truly need assistance. Our supplies are not unlimited and depend solely on donations.

  • To use the pet pantry we ask that the first time you use it you fill out a quick sign up sheet.
  • Pick up is on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday during hours the shelter is open.
  • We ask that you do not acquire or breed any animals while utilizing the pet pantry.
  • Owners must agree to abide by all state and local laws as they apply to animals.

WILDLIFE RESCUE

See an injured wild animal?

It is important to be very careful around injured or sick wildlife. You are a threat to them and they can act unpredictably. When you come across an injured or ill wild animal it is important to weigh your health and safety over theirs. We have a number of Wildlife Rescue rehabilitators in the area, and we can connect you. Please call the shelter for more information, 410-820-1600 or info@carolinehumane.org

CCHS RABIES CLINICS

ALL PETS NEED A RABIES VACCINE

Maryland State Law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets over the age of 4 months be vaccinated against rabies. Rabies can be prevented by keeping your animals current on vaccinations. Low cost rabies clinics are held throughout the year by the Caroline County Health Department and by the Caroline County Humane Society.

RECLAIM A PET

Having a pet go missing is a frightening experience. We do our best to reunite missing animals with their owners

If your pet has gone missing and you believe your animal may be at the Caroline County Humane
Society please take the following steps:

  1. Please either call the Caroline County Humane Society at ,  email:  or message us on Facebook.. You may also come to our physical location at
  2. Pets can be reclaimed during business hours. Please view our  Contact page  for days and hours of operation.
  3. Please bring proof of ownership of your animal when coming to reclaim your pet. The following
    are considered proof of ownership:
  4. Photograph of your pet within the past year
  5. Current vet records
  6. You MUST have proof that your pet is yours to reclaim your animal.
  7. The following fees apply to reclaim your pet. Reclaim fees double each time your pet is reclaimed.
  8. Dog: $50 if spayed/neutered. $75 if not spayed/neutered
  9. Cat" $15 if spayed/neutered or $10 if we microchip. $55 if not spayed/neutered or $55 applied toward getting the cat spayed/neutered.
  10. Boarding fee: $18 each day, per animal
  11. Rabies: If your animal does not have a current rabies vaccine you will be required to pay a $20 fee for a rabies vaccination. An appointment will be made at the time of reclaim for you to take your animal to a local vet to have a rabies vaccine given. No additional fees will be charged by vet at time of vaccination
  12. County license: 1 year county license will be required for reclaim of dog. County license fee: altered 1 year $3, unaltered 1 year $10
  13. FEES MAY BE WAIVED AT THE DISCRETION ON THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CAROLINE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY. Any questions involving the reclaim of your pet please call 410-820-1600.

BEHAVIORAL RESOURCES

WHEN SPARKY WON'T LISTEN

Often, there is a cause and an effect. This includes behavioral issues with pets. Through CCHS, we provide you training information. When adopting a new shelter pet, training classes or puppy socialization classes are HIGHLY recommended! Owners involved with their dog’s education build stronger relationships, improve the mental and physical well-being of their pet, and establish a foundation for a safe, rewarding, and happy life.

END OF LIFE SERVICES

When it is time, CCHS offers compassionate end of life care and pet cremation

If you are at a difficult crossroads with your pet due to severe age or illness, and are unable to make arrangements with a veterinarian, please contact CCHS. We offer ways to ensure your loved pet will cross over Rainbow Bridge including pet cremation

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR DISASTER PLANNING

Planning ahead is the key to keeping yourself and your companion animals safe during a disaster. Here are some tips to consider and implement:

A basic disaster kit should include:

  • Food and water for at least five days for each pet, bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food. People need at least one gallon of water per person per day. While your pet may not need that much, keep an extra gallon on hand to use if your pet has been exposed to chemicals or flood waters and needs to be rinsed.
  • Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first-aid kit. A pet first-aid book is also a good idea.
  • Cat litter box, litter, litter scoop and garbage bags to collect all your pets' waste.
  • Sturdy leashes, harnesses and secure carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can't escape. Make sure that your cat or dog is wearing a collar and identification that is up to date and visible at all times. Carriers should be large enough to allow your pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. (They may have to stay in it for hours at a time.) If your pet is prone to chewing items, inspect the carrier's inside to ensure that your pet can’t dislodge or ingest items that could cause injury.
  • Current photos of you with your pets and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated—and to prove that they are yours once you're reunited.
  • Written information about your pets' feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavior issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.
  • A favorite toy for comfort and a familiar blanket for warmth, particularly for smaller pets.
  • SEE MORE ON HUMANESOCIETY.ORG AND Make the pledge to take your pet with you


WHEN YOU NEED HELP CCHS IS HERE

Low cost solutions for Spaying & Neutering animals

We would much rather see a pet spayed or neutered and given a chance for a loving furever home, than to be surrendered because they're aggressive, wanderers, or pregnant multiple times. Please have your pet Spayed or Neutered, and please contact us for programs to help with the cost. We are here to help you! We are currently accepting grant program applications for spay and neuter financial assistance.


Please complete the application here, or contact us for more information.



This program is only available to residents of Caroline County. If you live in another area, please contact your county's humane society for assistance.














THE SOLUTION FOR FARMS & SEMI-FERILE CATS

CCHS BARN CAT PROGRAM

This program is designed to find homes for cats that have traditionally been deemed un-adoptable through our “normal” adoption procedures. If you have a safe, warm barn and would like to adopt barn cats, please call or fill out and return a Barn Cat Application or apply online. Barn cats benefit their caretakers! Supporting a barn cat is the safest way to control the rodent population in your barn. There are no poisons for children and pets to get into and no need to set nasty traps. They will help keep rodents away from grain and food storage areas, and you’ll enjoy watching the cats as well as have the satisfaction of giving them a much-needed home! Consider adopting a barn cat. We will assist you while the cats settle into their new home.

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