Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, and the content of this article is for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. If you have specific legal questions or concerns, please consult with a licensed attorney in Maryland.
Maryland is known for its rich history, from the founding of Annapolis to the battlefields of the Civil War, and its natural beauty, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. But stalking among Maryland’s more famous landmarks is an often overlooked issue: a stray and abandoned dog problem.
Maryland adheres to structured legal guidelines regarding the handling of stray dogs. But legally adopting a stray dog in Maryland is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. How long before a stray dog is legally yours in Maryland?
How Long Before A Stray Dog Is Legally Yours In Maryland?
In Maryland, animal control units must hold a stray dog for a minimum of 72 hours after impoundment, allowing time to identify and notify the owner. After this period, if the owner is not found or reclaimed, the dog becomes eligible for adoption, following local protocols for new ownership.
Maryland code §10–617 outlines these rules. Animal control unit cannot sell, place, or euthanize an unclaimed dog or cat until it has been inspected for any form of identification. IDs might be a tag, tattoo, microchip, or other ID to find its owner.
If animal control can notify the owner, they must give the owner 72 hours after the notice to claim their pet.
If animal control cannot reach the owner, they must hold the animal for after impounding it before taking any further action. This holding period gives owners a reasonable amount of time to reclaim their pets.
There are exceptions to this holding period. Cases include when the animal is seriously ill, severely injured, or younger than three months old.
This is . Animal control holds stray dogs in Virginia for 5 days before they can be adopted. Similarly, stray dogs in Delaware are also held for 5 days.
Moreover, Maryland law mandates that animal control units make reasonable efforts to notify the owners of the impounded animals about their location and the process for retrieval. Owners reclaiming their pets must cover all fees, costs, and expenses incurred during the impoundment.
Maryland seeks to balance the rights of pet owners, the welfare of stray animals, and the interests of potential new owners. It emphasizes the importance of attempting to reunite lost pets with their owners while also providing a clear pathway for the adoption of unclaimed animals.