Our Mission
The mission of Carroll County Animal Control is to protect the welfare of animals, promote public safety, and support the responsible care of pets in our community. We enforce animal-related laws, provide education to the public, and respond to concerns about the health, safety, and well-being of animals in Carroll County.
How We Help
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Responds to reports of animal abuse, neglect, or cruelty
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Investigates concerns about stray, dangerous, or injured animals
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Enforces local and state animal ordinances
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Assists with lost and found pets
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Consults on wild animals in the living spaces of your home
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Removes rabies-risk animals from your home’s living areas and accept captured or deceased animals for testing when human exposure is a concern
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Educates the public on responsible pet ownership, licensing, and vaccination requirements
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Issues dog licenses on behalf of Carroll County and enforces compliance with kennel and dog licensing requirements
Reporting Animal Abuse or Neglect
If you suspect an animal is being abused or neglected, please report it immediately.
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Report an animal related issue To report an animal related issue, please call (410) 848-4810 and listen to the telephone prompts to reach an animal control officer. Our officers are staffed 24/7 to handle animal related concerns.
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Life-threatening Emergency If it is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 and an operator will dispatch animal control along with the proper emergency department to handle the situation.
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Calling to report an animal related issue If you are calling to report an animal related issue, please ensure that you have the following information readily available for the officer to ensure a fast response:
• Your name
• Callback number
• Address of where the incident is occurring
• Description of the animal(s)
• Any relevant information that may assist the officer
When submitting a report, please provide as much detail as possible, including location, description of the animal, and any observed behavior.
Lost and Found Pets
If you have lost or found a pet, please visit our Lost & Found Pets page for guidance and to help reunite animals with their owners.
Licensing
Animal Control ensures that pets in Carroll County are properly licensed and vaccinated for rabies. Learn more by visiting our licensing information page.
Report Abuse
To report animal abuse, please visit our Report Animal Abuse page for more information and contact information.
How to Contact Us
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Phone (410) 848-4810 Option 2
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Address 2517 Littlestown Pike,
Westminster, MD 21158
Useful Links
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Maryland State LawMaryland State Law
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Carroll County Animal Control CodeCarroll County Animal Control Code
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Lost & Found PetsLost & Found Pets
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Report AbuseReport Abuse
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Pet LicensingPet Licensing
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Request for Public Information FormRequest for Public Information Form
Animal Control News
More Animal Control Information
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Safety Information
When we think about fire safety at home, we often picture smoke alarms, escape ladders, and emergency plans—but what about…
Safety Information
Rabies is one of the most serious infectious diseases affecting both animals and humans. It’s caused by a virus that…
Safety Information
Summer in Carroll County, Maryland brings high temperatures that can be dangerous for dogs. In addition to being uncomfortable, heat…
Safety Information
Winter in Maryland brings cold temperatures, snow, ice, and wind. For a dog living outdoors, exposure to harsh weather without…
Safety Information
Few emergencies are as devastating and fast-moving as a barn fire. Within minutes, flames can spread through stored hay, bedding,…
Officers Out and About
Current News,Officers Out & About
On the morning of September 19th, 2025, Animal Control Officers Forman, Derr, and Kipe responded to an unusual and urgent…
Current News,Officers Out & About
Sometimes the most extraordinary moments happen on an ordinary Saturday. On December 6, 2025, drivers along Route 194 near Ruggles…
Community Impact,Current News,Officers Out & About,Past Events
In the summer of 2025, Animal Control Officers Derr and Forman were invited to make a special appearance at Camp…

