# Real Property (GRP)

## Title 14. Miscellaneous Rules

### Subtitle 8. Pet Protections

#### Section 14-801

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Animal rescue organization" has the meaning stated in Sec. 15-101 of the Agriculture Article.

(c) "Animal shelter" has the meaning stated in Sec. 2-1701 of the Agriculture Article.

(d) "Pet" means a domesticated dog or cat.

#### Section 14-802

This subtitle applies to an action for possession of real property filed on or after November 1, 2023, by:

(1) A landlord against a tenant under Sec. 8-401, Sec. 8-402, or Sec. 8-402.1 of this article; or

(2) A complainant against a person holding possession of real property under Sec. 14-132 of this title.

#### Section 14-803

(a) By October 1, 2023, the Department of Agriculture shall develop and publish on its website a fact sheet that provides information about how a person may care for and protect any pets in the event the person is evicted or loses possession of the person's property.

(b) The Department of Agriculture shall:

  (1) Include in the fact sheet information on State and local resources, including animal shelters and animal rescue organizations; and

  (2) Update the fact sheet on a regular basis.

#### Section 14-804

On or after November 1, 2023, at the execution of a lease, the landlord shall include with the lease a link to the fact sheet published on the Department of Agriculture's website under Sec. 14-803 of this subtitle if the landlord knows that a tenant possesses a pet.

#### Section 14-805

Beginning November 1, 2023, the Maryland Judiciary shall include a link to the fact sheet published on the Department of Agriculture's website under Sec. 14-803 of this subtitle with any warrant issued under Sec. 8-401(f)(1)(i), Sec. 8-402(b)(2)(i) or (v), or Sec. 8-402.1(b) of this article or Sec. 14-132(f) or (i) of this title. 

#### Section 14-806

(a)

  (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, when possession of real property is delivered to a landlord or complainant following an action under Sec. 8-401, Sec. 8-402, or Sec. 8-402.1 of this article or Sec. 14-132 of this title, the sheriff, constable, or other official shall:

    (i) Immediately inspect the premises for any pet; and

    (ii) Provide to the tenant or person who was holding possession of the real property any pet on the premises belonging to the tenant or person who was holding possession of the real property.

  (2) If the tenant or person who was holding possession of real property is not present at the time the real property is delivered to a landlord or complainant, the sheriff, constable, or other official shall:

    (i) Contact an animal shelter or animal rescue organization to take custody of the pet;

    (ii) Provide the tenant or person who was holding possession of the real property with the name and contact information of the animal shelter or animal rescue organization where the pet is taken; and

    (iii) Provide the animal shelter or animal rescue organization with the name and contact information, including the telephone number if available, of the tenant or person who was holding possession of the real property from which the pet was taken.

(b) A person may not remove a pet from real property delivered to a landlord or complainant following an action under Sec. 8-401, Sec. 8-402, or Sec. 8-402.1 of this article or Sec. 14-132 of this title and leave the pet on public property or a public right-of-way.

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Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)