Being a responsible pet parent means having access to reliable information when you need it. HomeVets has curated trustworthy resources to help you make informed decisions about your pet’s health, understand veterinary care, and navigate important topics like insurance and prescriptions.
Important Phone Numbers
Keep these numbers easily accessible:
HomeVets: (410) 715-8900
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
Trusted Educational Resources
Merck Veterinary Manual
The gold standard in veterinary reference materials, now available to pet owners. Access comprehensive, veterinarian-authored information about diseases, treatments, and preventive care.
Visit Merck Veterinary Manual
AVMA Pet Health Resources
The American Veterinary Medical Association provides evidence-based information on pet care, disease prevention, and important health topics written specifically for pet owners.
Explore AVMA Resources
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Essential information about toxic substances, emergency protocols, and 24/7 poison control hotline access for pet emergencies.
ASPCA Poison Control
Understanding Your Pet’s Care
Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)
A VCPR is established when your veterinarian examines your pet in person and is legally required for prescribing medications. This relationship enables telemedicine consultations between regular visits.
Learn More About VCPR – AVMA
Prescription Medications for Pets
Federal law requires a valid veterinary prescription for prescription pet medications. When buying online, ensure the website requires a prescription and look for the VIPPS Seal, which certifies safe and legal pharmacy operations.
FDA Pet Medication Safety Guide
Insurance and Payment Options
Pet insurance can help offset veterinary costs for illness and injury. When evaluating policies, consider pre-existing condition definitions, coverage limitations, and whether you can choose your own veterinarian.
AVMA Pet Insurance Guidance
Emergency Preparedness
Creating a Pet Emergency Kit
Essential supplies and medications to have on hand for emergencies, natural disasters, or unexpected health issues.
AVMA Pet Emergency Kit Guide | Ready.gov Pet Emergency Kit
When to Seek Emergency Care
Recognizing signs that require immediate veterinary attention versus issues that can wait for a regular appointment.
ASPCA Emergency Care Signs
HomeVets Urgent Care and Emergency Care Information
Important Phone Numbers
Keep these numbers easily accessible:
- HomeVets: (410) 715-8900
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
- Your local emergency veterinary clinic
Preventive Care Guidelines
Vaccination Schedules
Age-appropriate vaccination timelines for dogs and cats, including core and non-core vaccines based on lifestyle and risk factors.
AVMA Vaccination Guidelines | AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines
Parasite Prevention
Understanding flea, tick, and heartworm prevention options and why year-round protection is important in our region.
AVMA Parasite Prevention | CDC Pet Parasite Information
Dental Care at Home
Tips for maintaining your pet’s dental health between professional cleanings.
AVMA Dental Care Resources
Nutrition and Wellness
Choosing Quality Pet Food
How to read pet food labels, understand nutritional requirements, and select appropriate diets for your pet’s life stage and health needs.
AVMA Pet Nutrition Information
Safe Human Foods for Pets
Lists of foods that are safe to share and those that should always be avoided.
AVMA Safe Foods for Pets
Weight Management
Resources for maintaining a healthy weight and body condition for your pet.
AVMA Pet Weight Management
Pet Food Pantries
ALLEGANY COUNTY
The Heart of the Earth Sanctuary and Rescue: facebook.com/TheHeartOfTheEarthSanctuary
Healing Hunger: facebook.com/healinghunger
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
Anne Arundel County (Animal Care): aacounty.org/services-and-programs/pet-foodsupply-assistance | ACCFrontDesk@aacounty.org | 410-222-3919
SPCA of Anne Arundel County: aacspca.org/pet-food-bank
Feeding Pets in Need: facebook.com/feedingpetsinneed | Send Facebook message for availability
Sunshine & Friends Cats & Dog Rescue: info@sunshinesfriends.org | 410-796-7327
BALTIMORE CITY/COUNTY
Maryland SPCA’s Kibble Connection Program: mdspca.org/community-outreach/kibble-connection
Baltimore Humane Society / Bmore Kind Pet Food Bank: bmorehumane.org/resources/bmore-kind-pet-food-bank
Thankful Paws (homeless/elderly): thankfulpaws.org
Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS): barcs.org/pet-owner-solutions | info@barcs.org | 410-396-4695
MCQE Mobile Pet Pantry: mcqemobilepetpantry.com | (443) 507-6849 | Serves Carroll County and Baltimore County
CALVERT COUNTY
Tri-County Animal Shelter: charlescountymd.gov/services/animal-care-control/tri-county-animal-shelter | 301-932-1713 | Serves Charles County, Cecil County, and St. Mary’s County
CAROLINE COUNTY
Caroline County Humane Society: carolinehumane.org/services | info@carolinehumane.org | (410) 820-1600
CARROLL COUNTY
MCQE Mobile Pet Pantry: mcqemobilepetpantry.com | (443) 507-6849 | Serves Carroll County and Baltimore County
CECIL COUNTY
Cecil County Animal Services: ccgov.org/government/animal-services | (410) 441-2040
CHARLES COUNTY
Help for Pets: facebook.com/Help-For-Pets-in-Charles-County-MD-460632520800578 | (301) 643-3049 | Mobile delivery
Tri-County Animal Shelter: charlescountymd.gov/services/animal-care-control/tri-county-animal-shelter | (301) 932-1713
DORCHESTER COUNTY
Baywater Animal Rescue: baywateranimalrescue.org/pet-food-bank.html | Dorchester residents only
FREDERICK COUNTY
Frederick Friends of Our County Animal Shelter (FFOCAS): ffocas.org/project_hope.php | Provides a list of local pet food banks
Frederick County Humane Society: fchs.org/programs.html | Frederick County residents only
GARRETT COUNTY
Garrett County Humane Society: facebook.com/GarrettCountyHumaneSociety | (301) 334-4470
HARFORD COUNTY
Humane Society of Harford County: harfordshelter.org/services/pet-food-pantry | (410) 836-1090 | Harford County residents only
HOWARD COUNTY
Howard County Animal Control and Adoption Center: facebook.com/HowardCountyAnimalControl | animalcontrol@howardcountymd.gov | (410) 313-2780
KENT COUNTY
Humane Society of Kent County: kenthumane.org | (410) 778-3648
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Chompers (Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County): awlmc.org/chompers-pet-food-bank | Montgomery County residents only
LovePaws Rescue: lovepawspg.org/pet-food-pantry | lovepawspg@gmail.com | Serves Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Washington, D.C.
Montgomery County Humane Society: mchumane.org/community-support/pet-food-bank
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
LovePaws Rescue: lovepawspg.org/pet-food-pantry | lovepawspg@gmail.com | Serves Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Washington, D.C.
Bowie CLAW: bowieclaw.org/pet-assistance-support | Bowieclaw@gmail.com | Prince George’s County residents only
ST. MARY’S COUNTY
Hungry Tummies Pet Food Pantry by Pets in Need: facebook.com/groups/983349545125203 | PetsInNeed2016@yahoo.com
St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League: smawl.org/index.php/services | info@smawl.org | (301) 373-5659
TALBOT COUNTY
Talbot Humane: talbothumane.org/services/pet-pantries-talbot-county
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Humane Society of Washington County: hswcmd.org/public-assistance
WICOMICO COUNTY
Humane Society of Wicomico County: wicomicohumane.org
Have questions about any of these resources or need personalized guidance for your pet? Contact HomeVets at (410) 715-8900. Our team is here to help you navigate your pet’s health journey with reliable information and compassionate care.
Disclaimer: These resources are for educational purposes only and do not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian for specific health concerns or medical decisions regarding your pet.