Kate Pika currently serves as the Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Communications at the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) since January 2023. Prior to this role, Kate held various positions at the Baltimore Humane Society, ultimately advancing to Director of Marketing and Public Relations from August 2019 to January 2023. Additional experience includes serving as an Outreach Specialist at Kuranda USA, Associate Support/HR at The Home Depot, and several leadership roles at the Atlanta Humane Society, where responsibilities included directing volunteer engagement and community outreach. Earlier career roles included Development Coordinator at Elachee Nature Science Center, Group Sales & Customer Experience Manager at Kangaroo Conservation Center, Special Events Manager at WYES New Orleans, and Volunteer Program Manager at Louisiana SPCA. Kate Pika is a graduate of Madonna University.
Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS)
The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is the largest companion animal shelter in Maryland and the only open-admission shelter in Baltimore City. BARCS takes in more than 10,000 animals yearly—including dogs, cats, small companion animals, wildlife, farm animals and exotics. BARCS serves as a resource to the community for citizens and their animals in need. In just a few years, BARCS significantly increased the number of animals saved from 2% in 2005 (under Animal Control) to over 90% dogs and cats saved in 2019. The shelter’s services include: providing housing and lifesaving care to homeless animals, public education and outreach, tracking lost and found pets, offering low cost vaccinations and microchip clinics, pet licensing, and the Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) of community cats. In addition to the aforementioned services, BARCS provides families and individuals the opportunity to adopt loving companion animals and save lives. As Maryland’s largest open admission shelter, BARCS does not turn away any animal in need of shelter, food and a loving touch. BARCS grants refuge to every abandoned, neglected, abused, lost or surrendered animal that comes through our door.