Animal Control Facilities Licensing

What is an Animal Control Facility License

An Animal Control Facility License is a license that permits an animal shelter to purchase and administer certain controlled substances and vaccines for the safe handling and management of animals in their care. This includes medications for sedation, euthanasia, and the administration of Rabies Vaccines under the appropriate supervision of a licensed veterinarian. 

For More information regarding rabies vaccine administration please review the guidance for Chapter 588.

Note: While all Animal Control Facilities must adhere to minimum standards of care, as described in Code of Maryland regulations, these regulations are not tied to the animal control facility license and are not enforced by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.  

How to apply for a license

New facilities may apply for a license online.  

How to renew a license

An Animal Control Facility must renew their license annually by submitting a renewal application through the online portal. 

The Responsible Individual must complete the process by logging in and going to "My Dashboard". Scroll to the bottom of the page and select the facility license number under "My Licenses and Permits". Next, use the green action button to open and submit the renewal application. 

If Responsible Individual has changed, please contact the Board office at 410-841-5862. 

Licensing requirements

• The Owner of an Animal Control Facility must designate a Responsible Individual: 
  • The responsible individual must meet the following requirements: 
    • Be at least 21 years of age; 
    • Be formally designated by the owner or the board of directors as the responsible individual to obtain controlled dangerous substances for the animal shelter; and 
    • Not have been convicted of a felony offense or a crime or infraction involving animal abuse or neglect; or controlled dangerous substances within the last 10 years.
  • The responsible individual shall: 
    • Be involved and present during the routine operations of the animal control facility; 
    • Successfully complete an approved euthanasia training course. The following organizations offer approved training courses: 
      • The American Humane Association (Approved in Regulation); 
      • National Animal Control Association (Approved in Regulation); 
      • The Professional Animal Workers of Maryland (PAWS) (Approved in Regulation); 
      • Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Approved by Review October 26th, 2023)
      • Animal Control and Care Academy (Approved by Review January 30th, 2025)
    • Establish and maintain written protocols for Euthanasia, Sedation, and any other form of Chemical Animal Control;
    • Ensure that employees who administer drugs to animals have obtained require training suitable to the setting in which they are required to perform work for the animal control facility; 
    • Designate the employees who are authorized to administer controlled dangerous substances and noncontrolled substances in the course of the activities of the animal control facility; 
    • Maintain and make available for inspection a current list of authorized employees; 
    • Ensure that the authorized employees only perform tasks and duties at the direction of the responsible individual or owner of the animal control facility; and 
    • Purchase and maintain the required controlled dangerous substances for use at the animal control facility. 

More information

• For more information regarding Animal Control Facility Statutes, please refer to §2-305 of the Agriculture Article.
• For more information regarding Animal Control Facility License Regulations, please refer to​ COMAR 15.14.04.