SB 338
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
Senate Bill 338 (Senator Simonaire)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Environment and Transportation
Local Government – Animal Control Facilities – Adoption Fee Waiver for
Veterans (Pets for Vets Act of 2021)
This bill requires an animal control facility operated by a county or municipality to waive
the adoption fee for a dog or cat adopted by a veteran who presents specified identification
that notes the individual is a veteran. An animal control facility may limit the number of
adoption fee waivers granted to an individual to one dog and one cat within a six-month
period.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None.
Local Effect: Local government revenues may decrease to the extent that dogs and cats
are adopted from county and municipal run animal control facilities; however, any impact
is likely to be minimal. Local expenditures are not affected.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law: There are no statutory provisions directly applicable to the bill.
Local Fiscal Effect: The Maryland Association of Counties indicates that local animal
adoption fees generally range from $0 to $150 with larger or more exotic animals having
higher fees. Moreover, county shelters sometimes waive adoption fees for certain animals
or for special adoption programs and events. For example, Anne Arundel County indicated
that it has partnered with the “Pets for Patriots” program, which works with animal shelters
and adoption facilities to link military veterans and their families with companion pets. The
program focuses on overlooked or undervalued dogs and cats that may not otherwise be
adopted.
In calendar 2019, Anne Arundel County processed 911 cat adoptions and 287 dog
adoptions, with the maximum adoption fees totaling $14 for cats and $17 for dogs. The
county also collected licensing fees from county residents who adopted/bought a pet from
another organization. In total, the county collected approximately $228,000 in adoption
and license fees in fiscal 2018.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: SB 128 of 2020 passed the Senate with amendments and received a
hearing in the House Environment and Transportation Committee, but no further action
was taken.
Designated Cross File: HB 563 (Delegate Long) - Environment and Transportation.
Information Source(s): Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Montgomery, and
St. Mary’s counties; Maryland Association of Counties; City of Salisbury; Maryland
Municipal League; towns of Bel Air , Leonardtown, and Riverdale Park; Maryland
Department of Transportation; Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - January 31, 2021
rh/tso Third Reader - February 25, 2021
Analysis by: Arnold Adja Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 338/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Local Government – Animal Control Facilities – Adoption Fee Waiver for Veterans (Pets for Vets Act of 2021): 11-314 Local Government
Text - Third - Local Government – Animal Control Facilities – Adoption Fee Waiver for Veterans (Pets for Vets Act of 2021): 11-314 Local Government