By Staff writer
At the Humane Society of Carroll County, every day brings something new—and often, something unexpected. “There’s no such thing as a typical day around here,” said Executive Director Karen Baker in a recent interview. From jubilant pet adoptions to emotional animal surrenders, the shelter sees the full range of human and animal experience on a daily basis.
Under Baker’s leadership, the Humane Society provides a variety of essential services to the community. These include pet adoptions, accepting owner surrenders from within Carroll County, and operating an on-site spay/neuter clinic with a dedicated veterinarian. The shelter also runs a pet food pantry for struggling families and holds a contract with the county for animal control services.
The emotional demands of the work are high. “It’s not just all puppies and kittens,” Baker explained. Staff are regularly confronted with the harsh realities of animal welfare and the human challenges that often accompany them. Maintaining compassion day after day can be difficult, but Baker emphasizes celebrating victories. “It’s always about the win,” she said—whether it’s a long-time resident finding a forever home or a wild animal being successfully rehabilitated and released.
When it comes to strays, the Humane Society prioritizes reuniting animals with their original families. Pets found in Carroll County are advertised, scanned for microchips, and cross-referenced on lost-and-found networks. For owner surrenders, the shelter requests appointments to ensure each animal’s needs—medical, behavioral, or housing—can be met in advance.
As a nonprofit, the Humane Society relies heavily on donations. While Carroll County funds animal control services, the costs of veterinary care, vaccinations, and medical treatments come from community contributions. “There are so many ways to help,” Baker noted. Donations can be made online, by phone, or by mail. Volunteers are also vital—helping with cleaning, fostering, and general support.
Community events also play a large role in fundraising. The annual Tales of Twilight gala is the organization’s largest event, while the summer Wolftock festival, held in Taneytown Memorial Park, continues to grow in popularity. Biannual yard sales and local sponsorships also bring in much-needed support.
Among recent achievements, Baker highlighted the launch of the on-site spay/neuter clinic as a game-changer. It has drastically reduced costs and improved the level of care for shelter animals.
Whether it’s rescuing a stray bearded dragon or helping a family in crisis keep their pet, the Humane Society under Karen Baker’s leadership remains a cornerstone of compassion in Carroll County.
