10-Hour Adopt-A-Thon Planned By Baltimore Co. Animal Services

BALDWIN, MD — Baltimore County Animal Services is celebrating 10 years in its Baldwin facility, 13800 Manor Road, with a 10-hour adopt-a-thon and open house from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10.

Attendees will be able to tour the shelter, meet adoptable pets, learn about county programs, and take advantage of special services for their pets.

Event highlights include:

• Waived adoption fees plus PetSmart gift cards for every adopter
• Behind-the-scenes building tours at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
• Rabies and microchipping clinic from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Information tables with Department of Health staff to share information about programs

Since opening the facility in 2015, BCAS has expanded its reach and resources; the agency said 2025 marked a record year for both intake and adoptions.

Comparing 2015 to 2025:

• The shelter took in nearly double the number of dogs (almost 1,600) and nearly 1,700 more cats
• Adoptions doubled over the decade
• The live release rate for cats increased from 59% to 90% due, in part, to the creation of working cat and trap-neuter-return programs
• Rabies clinics administered more than 1,000 additional vaccines this year compared to 2015
• The rescue transfer program more than doubled, strengthening partnerships with rescue organizations

Over the past 10 years, BCAS also launched and/or expanded foster, volunteer and events programs, allowing community members to play an active role in animal welfare, according to a news release. In 2025, 1,121 animals were placed in foster homes through BCAS, volunteers donated 17,446 hours to our mission and with the aid of the Adoption Express, BCAS hosted 110 adoption events in the community.

“This building has allowed us to grow in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago,” Dr. René Varela, bureau director for Baltimore County Animal Services, said in the news release. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come and excited for the continued growth and lifesaving work ahead.”

The 10-Hour adopt-a-thon and open house is free and open to the public. Those attending are encouraged to share their photos from the event and tag Baltimore County Animal Services on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information about BCAS, visit baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/animal-services or follow @baltcoanimalservices on social media.