If your animal is in violation of any of the Charles County Animal Regulations or the Annotated Code of Maryland, it can be immediately and humanely impounded and housed at the animal shelter or its designated agent. In addition to or in lieu of impounding your animal, an Animal Control Officer may issue you a notice of violation. If your animal is impounded, it will be kept for no less than three working days unless the animal is contagiously ill or severely injured. When you reclaim your animal, you will have to pay fees established by the Sheltering Authority. You also will have to show proof of ownership, including a current rabies vaccination and County license. If your animal is impounded three times within a twelve-month period, it shall remain in the Shelter until you appear before the Animal Matters Hearing Board's next scheduled hearing. The Board will determine the necessary means to resolve the violations and levy any applicable fines and fees.

It is against the law to allow your domestic animal to defecate on public property, or private property that does not belong to the pet's owner. Any waste must be removed and disposed of in a proper and sanitary manner.

You must provide your animal with sufficient, wholesome and nutritious food; clean, cool water in sufficient quantities; proper air, shelter, space, and protection from the weather; veterinary care, when needed, to prevent suffering; and humane care and treatment at all times. Pets can not be tethered outside more than four (4) hours a day. Minimal kennel sizes are also identified in the regulations. Remember, when transporting your animal in a vehicle, the animal must be safely confined. Your animal is not allowed to ride in an unenclosed area of your vehicle unless he/she is confined by a securely affixed, well-ventilated cage, or other device designated to safely prevent the animal from falling or jumping from your vehicle.

You should exercise reasonable care and take all necessary steps and precautions to protect other people, property, and animals from injuries or damage which might result from the animal's behavior, regardless of whether the behavior is motivated by playfulness, fear, sickness, or ferocity. In addition, if a minor is the custodian of an animal, the parent or guardian is still responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations and State codes. Don't forget that animals may not be sold or given to a minor without the written consent of the parent or legal guardian.