Helping All People in Baltimore:
BARCS’ mission is not limited to compassion for animals—we firmly believe that no one should be judged or discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability or level of income, or other non-merit factors.
We believe that people from all walks of life deserve the joy and companionship of owning a pet.
BARCS' programs that support these beliefs include:
Adoption Policies
At BARCS, we believe that every pet deserves a loving home, and every person who wants to adopt deserves the joy of pet ownership. That’s why we never ask for income verification, home checks, or housing approvals. Financial circumstances and housing do not determine a person’s ability to provide love and care. By removing these barriers, we help more animals find homes while also strengthening families. Research shows that restrictive adoption policies increase the length of an animal’s stay in a shelter and don’t guarantee better outcomes—what truly saves lives is trusting that people have good intentions, open communication, and the belief that people and pets belong together.
Keeping Pets with Families
We know that the best place for a pet is with the family that already loves them. BARCS’ pet retention and emergency boarding programs exist to help keep pets in their homes when families face tough times. Life happens: job loss, housing issues, medical emergencies... A temporary crisis shouldn’t mean losing a beloved family pet. By standing with pet owners and offering solutions instead of judgment, we not only keep more animals out of the shelter, but also reinforce the deep connections that make our community stronger.
Neighborhood Outreach Program
Helping animals starts with helping people. Our offsite clinics bring resources directly into Baltimore City neighborhoods, providing food, supplies, and veterinary care without proof of housing, income, or welfare status. If someone comes to us asking for help, we trust them—because no one should have to prove they deserve compassion, kindness, and a hand! By eliminating unnecessary barriers, we ensure that every family who wants to care for their pet has the support to do so. When we lift up people, we lift up their pets too.
Free and Low-Cost Vaccine Clinics
Basic pet care can’t and shouldn’t be a luxury. Many Baltimore neighborhoods are veterinary deserts, making it difficult for families to access even the most essential services. Our free and low-cost vaccine clinics help pets stay healthy while also protecting public health by preventing the spread of disease. Every pet we vaccinate is another pet who stays safe at home instead of suffering from preventable illness. Keeping pets healthy means keeping families together—and that’s what truly matters.
ASPIRE High School Workforce Development Program
BARCS isn’t just about saving animals; it’s about building a better future for our city. The ASPIRE program gives Baltimore high school students the chance to earn an income while gaining hands-on experience in animal welfare. By investing in young people, we create pathways for future careers, foster compassion, and develop the next generation of advocates. When we support and uplift our community, we create a city where both people and animals thrive.
Employment at BARCS
Saving lives takes a team, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone on our team feels valued, supported, and respected. BARCS is an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Just as we show compassion for the animals in our care, we extend the same to our staff, volunteers, and community. The stronger our team, the more lives we can save—because animal welfare is people welfare, too.
