Baltimore Pet Owners: Licensing, Leash and Care Rules to Review Before Getting a Pet

Baltimore City law requires all dogs and cats over four months of age to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies within 10 days of obtaining the pet.

Licensing and Vaccination Requirements

Pet license fees in Baltimore City range from $5.00 for spayed or neutered owners over 65 to $30.00 when no spay or neuter proof is provided, with a $100 lifetime license option available. These rules apply before residents or visitors keep a dog or cat in the city. Baltimore City Animal Control handles enforcement of the licensing and vaccination standards.

Leash Laws and Waste Removal

Owners must keep dogs and cats on a leash when off their property and are legally responsible for removing pet waste from public and private property. The requirements cover daily walks and any time an animal is taken outside a private yard. Baltimore City Animal Control operates 24/7 to enforce these codes and investigate neglect cases.

County Rules for Found Animals and New Owner Designations

Baltimore County requires found animals to be reported to BCAS within 24 hours and surrendered within 72 hours. A new Baltimore County law designates reckless animal owners for repeated welfare code violations and prohibits them from owning animals for four years. These provisions affect anyone who finds or cares for a stray pet in the county area surrounding the city.

Practical Steps Before Adopting or Visiting

Residents planning to obtain a dog or cat should confirm licensing and vaccination timing with city requirements first. County residents who locate a stray animal need to follow the 24-hour reporting and 72-hour surrender timelines. Checking current license options and leash responsibilities helps owners meet obligations from the start. Baltimore City Animal Control provides the primary contact point for questions on city rules, while BCAS handles county lost-and-found procedures.