ANIMALS & PETS
From cat and dog licenses to animal complaints, this chapter covers pet-owner's responsibilities, regulations concerning animals and pets, and ways we can help you.
Click HERE for a summary of Howard County Animal Control Laws.
COMPANION ANIMALS
NUISANCE ANIMALS
RELATED SERVICES
Cleaning Up After Your Pet
Pet owners are responsible for immediately removing excrement deposited by their pets on property that is not their own and disposing of it in a sanitary manner. Pet owners are also required to remove an accumulation of pet waste from their own property to prevent annoying odors. The Animal Control Division (410-313-2780) can furnish further information.
Cat & Dog Licenses
Licenses are required for all cats and dogs over the age of four months living in the county. You may purchase a license at the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (410-313-2455). The proper fee, a current rabies certificate and proof of neutering, if applicable, are required.
Download a cat/dog license application
Leash Laws
When domestic animals are not confined on their owner's property, the county requires that they be on a leash or properly restrained and under the direct control of a responsible person. Call Animal Control (410-313-2780) for details.
Lost and Found Pets
Call the Animal Control Facility (410-313-2780) as soon as a pet is discovered missing or is found. The facility maintains a Lost and Found Log and provides temporary care and shelter for impounded pets.
Pet Adoptions
To adopt a pet through Animal Control:
1. Visit the Animal Control Facility during adoption hours to select your companion animal.
- Monday, Wed - Friday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday: 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (not open on holiday weekends)
2. Complete an application and arrange for an adoption interview. An Animal Handler will explain adoption requirements and ensure that the pet you selected will be compatible in your home.
3. After your approval interview, you will sign a contract and pay necessary neutering and other fees. Arrange for a license if you have adopted a dog or cat.
4. Take your pet to a veterinarian for a checkup.
5. Begin proper training of your new pet for years of enjoyment together.
Discount Spay/Neuter Services
Howard County Animal Control offers discount spay/neuter services for all citizens. Please contact Animal Control at 410-313-2780 for more information.
Pet Euthanasia
Citizens may bring pets to the Animal Control Facility (410-313-2780). Owners may be present during the procedure. There is a fee.
Pet Quarantines
The Animal Control Facility (410-313-2780) will confine animals that need to be quarantined. Impoundment and daily boarding fees, and vaccination and veterinary expenses will be charged.
Pets on Wheels
Pets on Wheels (410-313-7461) recruits, trains and links pet owners and their pets with residents of nursing homes, adult day care centers and group homes, and people who are homebound. An evaluator screens all pets to determine their suitability.
Rabies Clinics
The Health Department (410-313-6300) offers reduced cost rabies vaccination clinics at various locations each spring.
Animal Complaints
To report animal abuse, aggressiveness or other problems, call Animal Control (410-313-2780).
Animal Pick-ups
Call Animal Control (410-313-2780) for the emergency rescue of sick, injured or endangered animals and to report stray, at large, abandoned or aggressive animals. There is no charge for reporting animal related problems; necessary medical and other fees are charged to the owner.
Animal Traps
County residents may borrow humane animal traps from Animal Control (410-313-2780) to capture stray or nuisance domestic animals. Residents are required to follow humane trapping procedures. Your trap deposit ($40) will be refunded when the trap is returned in good condition.
Dead Animals on Roads
Notify Animal Control (410-313-2780) about dead domestic animals and deer on county roads. Specific information about the carcass location is necessary.
Nuisance Domestic Animals
Call Animal Control (410-313-2780) for information and to report domestic animal nuisance complaints. Animal Control will give advice and respond if necessary. Citations can be issued to the owner of an animal in certain situations after receipt of a notarized affidavit from a citizen who has witnessed qualifying incidents.
Wildlife
Call Animal Control (410-313-2780) to report sick or injured wildlife. Call the state's Wildlife Services (1-877-463-6497) for all nuisance wildlife complaints. State permits are required to trap wildlife.
Animal Control Facility
The Animal Control Facility is open for citizens to visit and adopt animals, to search for recovered lost pets and for other services. Group tours are available. Donations of cash and animal care supplies are accepted and are used to help animals in need. Call 410-313-2780 for more information.
Animal Investigations
Animal Control officers will promptly investigate and take corrective action in cases of animal abuse or neglect. To report suspected cases, immediately call Animal Control (410-313-2780) and report the location and other pertinent information.
Killed or Injured Livestock
Animal Control staff (410-313-2780), in cooperation with the Cooperative Extension Service, will investigate claims of killed or injured livestock. Forms are available for residents to complete immediately after such incidents.
Rabies Monitoring
Environmental Health investigates and monitors potential exposure to rabies through animal bite or non-bite contacts. Call Environmental Health (410-313-6300) to submit, for testing, wildlife or stray animals suspected of having contact with pets or people.
Restrictions...
Many planned communities and landlords have special restrictions pertaining to pets. See your association's guidelines or lease for information.
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