The Hopkins Pet and Animal Welfare Society aims to improve the quality of life of unwanted animals in the Baltimore community through volunteer work at local shelters, fundraising to provide much-needed care and medical treatment for homeless animals, and awareness events to draw attention to animal neglect and abuse.

BARCS is a non-profit organization created in July 2005 to work directly with Baltimore City Animal Control. BARCS takes in homeless and unwanted animals in Baltimore City. BARCS' mission is to prevent cruelty to animals by: rescuing animals, finding homes for the neglected and abandoned animals, promoting the health and welfare of animals through education, advocacy and pet population control and working cooperatively with other animal advocacy groups, shelters, and community organizations to continually improve the lives of animals.