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Adoption

Every time you adopt, two lives are changed forever — yours and theirs.

With a little help from our team, your act of love gives a deserving animal a fresh start, opens the door for the next one waiting for a home, and supports lifesaving work right here in Carroll County.
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How Our Adoption Process Works

Adopting from the Humane Society of Carroll County is simple, supportive, and designed to help you make the perfect match — for life.

1. Visit Our Shelter or Check Online

Stop by during adoption hours to meet our pets in person. Chat with our caring team about your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a companion. Spend time meeting our adoptable animals. Some animals may be in foster care, so you can also check our website for current availability and any instructions on how to request a meet-and-greet.

If you have questions about a foster pet, email hsccfoster@gmail.com. Our team will alert the foster, who will then contact you directly. Please note that fosters may have multiple interested adopters.

  • Humane Society of Carroll County – 2517 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, Maryland 21158
  • Mon–Wed, Fri: 10:00am–12:30pm & 2:00pm–4:00pm
  • Thu: 10:00am–12:30pm & 2:00pm–6:30pm
  • Sat: 9:00am–1:00pm

2. Find Your Match

Our adoption counselors are here to guide you toward animals that are a great fit for your home, family, and daily routine.

3. Adoption Requirements

All adopters must be 21+ years old and agree to our standard adoption requirements. As part of the process, we’ll verify your pet history to ensure we’re setting you — and your new best friend — up for success.

4. Confirm Housing Approval

Renters must bring documentation or permission from their landlord allowing pets.

5. Meet & Greet (for Dogs Only)

If you already have a dog at home, we’ll ask you to bring them in for a meet-and-greet — just to be sure everyone gets along before finalizing the adoption.

6. Take Home Your New Family Member!

Once everything is approved, you’ll sign adoption paperwork and take home your new companion — along with a lifetime of love, support, and resources from our team. This process often occurs the same day. We are unable to offer adoption holds unless the animal is awaiting a spay/neuter surgery. 

View Our Adoptable Animals

HSCC Partners with PetSmart

PetSmart In-Store Adoption Centers

PetSmart generously donates space in their stores to help adoptable pets find homes. The Humane Society of Carroll County (HSCC) partners with PetSmart and rescue organizations to provide adoption opportunities for more than 3,000 pets each year! By collaborating with these shelter partners, HSCC is able to utilize the space needed to find homes for pets in Carroll County. Watch for our PetSmart Adoption Events and visit our Cat Adoption Centers at the following area stores:
MARYLAND
  • Silver Spring: 12020 Cherry Hill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20904
  • Westminster: 625 Baltimore Blvd, Westminster, MD 21157
  • Owings Mills: 10240 Mill Run Cir, Suite #102, Owings Mills, MD 21117
  • Catonsville: 6501 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228
  • Columbia: 9041 Snowden Square Dr, Columbia, MD 21046
  • Ellicott City: 9200 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
  • Gaithersburg: 218 Kentlands Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
  • Germantown: 20924 Frederick Rd, Germantown, MD 20876
PENNSYLVANIA
  • Hanover: 181 Wilson Ave, Hanover, PA 17331
  • Harrisburg: 4200 Derry St, Harrisburg, PA 17111

Through our Military Matches program, we are proud to offer fee-waived adoptions for veterans.

Adoption Pricing

Thank you for considering adopting a pet from the Humane Society of Carroll County. All adoption fees are subject to change without notice.

Adopt a Dog

When you adopt a dog from HSCC, your new best friend comes with everything they need for a healthy start:
  • Spay/Neuter surgery
  • Heartworm and Flea/Tick prevention
  • Dewormer for intestinal parasites
  • Microchip with free lifetime registration
  • Discounted training session with Maryland Canine Academy
  • 30 days of FREE pet insurance from MetLife for injury and illness coverage
  • All age-appropriate vaccinations and wellness testing *
* Core vaccines and testing may include rabies, distemper combo, bordetella, and canine influenza, as well as fecal testing (Idexx laboratory) and 4DX testing for heartworm, Lyme, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia.

Dog Adoption Fees

  • 6 months and younger ** - $250
  • 7 months-5 years - $200
  • 6 years-10 years - $150
  • 11 years and older- $100

** Intact puppies may require a $200 refundable deposit in addition to the adoption fee, returned with proof of spay/neuter surgery.

Adopt a Dog

  • Spay/Neuter surgery
  • Heartworm & Flea/Tick prevention
  • Dewormer for intestinal parasites
  • Microchip with free registration
  • Discounted training session with Maryland Canine Academy
  • 30 days FREE injury/illness insurance policy provided by MetLife Insurance
  • Vaccinations appropriate for the age and species *

* Age appropriate core vaccines including: rabies, distemper combo, bordetella, and canine influenza, fecal testing via Idexx laboratory, 4DX testing (Heartworm, Lyme, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia ).

Dog Adoption Fees

  • 6 months and younger ** - $250
  • 7 months-5 years - $200
  • 6 years-10 years - $150
  • 11 years and older- $100

** Intact puppies may require a $200 deposit in addition to their adoption fee, refundable with proof of spay/neuter surgery

Adopt a Cat

Every cat adoption includes the essentials to help your feline friend thrive:

  • Spay/neuter surgery
  • Flea/Tick prevention
  • Dewormer for intestinal parasites
  • Microchip with free lifetime registration
  • 30 days of FREE pet insurance from MetLife
  • All age-appropriate vaccinations and wellness testing *

* Core vaccines and testing may include rabies and distemper combo, fecal testing (Idexx laboratory), and FeLV/FIV combo testing.

Cat Adoption Fees

  • 1 year and younger - $75
  • 2 years-7 years - $50
  • 8 years and older - $25

Adopt a Cat

  • Spay/neuter surgery
  • Flea/Tick prevention
  • Dewormer for intestinal parasites
  • Microchip with free registration
  • 30 days FREE injury/illness insurance policy provided by MetLife Insurance
  • Vaccinations appropriate for the age and species *

* Age appropriate core vaccines including: rabies and distemper combo, fecal testing via Idexx laboratory, Feline combo testing (Felv/FIV}

Cat Adoption Fees

  • 1 year and younger - $75
  • 2 years-7 years - $50
  • 8 years and older - $25

Adopt A Large or Small Animal

Small pets and rabbits also receive species-appropriate care to help them start off healthy and happy — including RDHV vaccination for rabbits.

Adoption pricing on small and large animals may vary. Please refer to their online listing for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

A valid photo ID, proof of address, and adoption fee. If you rent, please bring proof of pet acceptance.

Fees typically cover spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, flea/tick treatment, deworming, and microchipping.

The process can often be completed the same day if all paperwork and approvals are in order. Some adoptions may take longer if the spay/neuter surgery has not yet been performed.

Adoption holds are only available when a spay/neuter surgery is pending. All adoptions are first-come, first-served.

Some animals may be eligible for foster-to-adopt programs so you can see if the pet is a good fit before finalizing.

Yes — if the adoption isn’t a good match, you are welcome to privately re-home the pet to help keep animals out of the shelter environment. If no other alternative is found, you are welcome to return the animal to us so we can find another suitable home. When possible, please schedule your return in advance here.

We recommend a meet-and-greet for dogs to ensure compatibility and proof of current pets being up-to-date on vaccines. Even if two dogs have met and gotten along at the shelter, it’s important to reintroduce them slowly when bringing them into a home together. The change in environment, new sights, smells, and routines can shift dynamics. Keep interactions calm and supervised at first, allowing them plenty of space to adjust. Begin with short periods together indoors or in the yard, watching closely for signs of stress or resource guarding over food, toys, or sleeping areas. Maintain separate feeding spots and resting places initially, and provide lots of positive reinforcement for relaxed, appropriate behavior. With patience, consistency, and gentle guidance, most dogs will settle into their new pack routine and build a happy bond.

Introducing a new shelter pet to a resident cat should be done slowly and thoughtfully to ensure a smooth transition. Start by keeping them in separate rooms so they can get used to each other’s scents under a closed door. Gradually swap bedding or use a blanket to gently “scent exchange” before allowing visual introductions through a baby gate or cracked door. Once both animals seem calm and curious rather than fearful, you can begin short, supervised interactions. Always monitor body language closely and proceed at the pace of the more hesitant pet. Patience is key to building a peaceful and lasting relationship.

Yes — all pets are spayed/neutered prior to adoption. Occasionally, you will be asked to return to the shelter with your new pet for it’s spay/neuter appointment.

Yes, but renters must provide proof that pets are allowed and may have to meet specific pet guidelines from their landlord.

We accept cash, credit/debit cards, and sometimes checks. Adoption fees are due at the time of adoption.

Generally yes, once applications are approved, although some pets may receive multiple applications which are reviewed for best fit.

Applications may be denied due to concerns about housing, compatibility with children or other pets, veterinary references, or lifestyle fit.

A post-adoption check-up with your veterinarian is recommended within 7–10 days to establish care and continue vaccine series if needed.