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California

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California · official local service finder

Animal care, shelters & pet licenses in California

Official animal services directories, shelter referrals and dog/pet licensing links, with jurisdiction and visit restrictions where specifically reviewed.

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Before you start · 3 things to check
  • Cities can operate their own shelters or contract with another provider. Check your address and the purpose of your visit.
  • Sheltering, field response and pet licensing can have different service areas. County browse associations do not establish eligibility.
  • Appointments, owner surrender, lost-pet reclaim, adoption and emergency dispatch are distinct services. Read the official provider’s current instructions.

60 guides with reviewed service links · Reviewed local guides

Choose a county on the map

Highlighted counties have a reviewed service guide matching this selection. An agency may serve only a city or part of a county.

California58 counties
California county mapChoose a county to open its directory. Use the county search and list for smaller counties.Alameda County: open directoryAlpine County: open directoryAmador County: open directoryButte County: open directoryCalaveras County: open directoryColusa County: open directoryContra Costa County: open directoryDel Norte County: open directoryEl Dorado County: open directoryFresno County: open directoryGlenn County: open directoryHumboldt County: open directoryImperial County: open directoryInyo County: open directoryKern County: open directoryKings County: open directoryLake County: open directoryLassen County: open directoryLos Angeles County: open directoryMadera County: open directoryMarin County: open directoryMariposa County: open directoryMendocino County: open directoryMerced County: open directoryModoc County: open directoryMono County: open directoryMonterey County: open directoryNapa County: open directoryNevada County: open directoryOrange County: open directoryPlacer County: open directoryPlumas County: open directoryRiverside County: open directorySacramento County: open directorySan Benito County: open directorySan Bernardino County: open directorySan Diego County: open directorySan Francisco County: open directorySan Joaquin County: open directorySan Luis Obispo County: open directorySan Mateo County: open directorySanta Barbara County: open directorySanta Clara County: open directorySanta Cruz County: open directoryShasta County: open directorySierra County: open directorySiskiyou County: open directorySolano County: open directorySonoma County: open directoryStanislaus County: open directorySutter County: open directoryTehama County: open directoryTrinity County: open directoryTulare County: open directoryTuolumne County: open directoryVentura County: open directoryYolo County: open directoryYuba County: open directory
County directory Reviewed service guides available
Map for browsing; agency service areas may differ.
Map source

U.S. Census boundaries via U.S. Atlas · 2017 edition, simplified for display.

Showing 60 guides as a short list. Choose your county or type a city above to see each guide’s instructions, conditions and sources here.

County government · Alameda

Alameda County Animal Services — East County Animal Shelter

Official animal care/control provider associated with Alameda County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Alpine

Alpine County Sheriff's Office

Animal services

Alpine animal-service coordination — CVET county summary (opens in a new tab)
Undated UC Davis county outreach summary; operational investigation/referral differs from Sheriff licensing duties and disaster sheltering

County Animal Services and Capabilities exist Alpine County does not have an animal services department and partners with Douglas County, Nevada for their day-to-day animal control needs. For daily Additional organizations: operations, the Environmental Health Director for the county will investigate initial • Alpine County calls within the county and then will transfer to Douglas County. During emergency evacuations, Douglas County will provide animal services in Nevada and Alpine Community County law enforcement officers can escort owners to get their animals, if it is Emergency Response determined safe. Team (CERT)

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Alpine impounded-animal care & redemption coordination (opens in a new tab)
Alpine Code6.04.230–240 statutory redemption/adoption procedure; no promise of an available animal or local public intake counter

Ask the Sheriff about an impounded animal’s placement, required redemption fees or adoption application. The code does not identify a current public intake facility.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Undated CVET planning report: no local brick-and-mortar shelter; Douglas fire evacuation facilities are historical and not routine public-intake proof

The planning report says Alpine has no brick-and-mortar animal shelter. Its Douglas County Fairgrounds references concern previous fires.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Amador

Amador County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Amador County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
Department shelter and animal-control functions

The Amador County Animal Control Department operates one shelter within the County. The shelter's function is to impound stray animals; pick up and provide medical care for sick and injured animals; Adopt all adoptable animals into new homes; issue citations for violations of applicable laws and ordinances; rescue endangered animals; conduct preliminary investigations of inhumane treatment of animals; investigate and correct animal nuisance complaints; receive and hold animals for evidence; provide the observation of biting animals for the County Health Officer; issue licensing; and provide routine patrol services.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Butte

Butte County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Butte County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Calaveras

Calaveras County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Calaveras County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Colusa

Colusa County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Colusa County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Contra Costa

Contra Costa County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Contra Costa County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Del Norte

Del Norte County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Del Norte County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
County animal services and dog pound

The Department of Animal Services is engaged in the enforcement of state laws, regulations, and county ordinances relating to domestic animals. Activities include dog licensing, operating the county dog pound, maintaining dog license and rabies vaccination records, impounding stray dogs and livestock, investigating dog bites, quarantining dogs that have bit, investigating loose or nuisance dog complaints, and livestock complaints. Other areas of responsibility include licensing kennels, investigating potential violations of humane laws, picking up small dead animals for disposal from county roadways, and picking up injured domestic animals.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · El Dorado

El Dorado County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with El Dorado County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
Shelter operations

Shelter Operations houses and cares for stray, unwanted, or displaced animals. Every effort is made to place healthy, adoptable animals into new permanent, loving homes. We coordinate foster and volunteer programs, educate the community on pet overpopulation, and help people who have lost or found a pet.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Pet or dog licensing instructions (opens in a new tab)
Rabies control and dog licensing

The Rabies Control Program investigates animal bites and human exposures to rabies, and processes licenses for dogs. Learn how to avoid dog bites, and teach children to be safe around dogs. Report animal bites or rabid animals.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Glenn

Glenn County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Glenn County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
Lost/found animals — non-emergency reporting

If you have lost or found a pet or livestock, please call our non-emergency dispatch line 530-934-6431 to make a report.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Pet or dog licensing instructions (opens in a new tab)
Stock/hunt pack licenses — direct Sheriff office only

*Stock and Hunt Pack Licenses are not available through DocuPet online. The Pack Licenses are only available directly through Glenn County Sheriff's Office. Call for more information 530-934-6441.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Glenn impound & shelter referral — Tehama Animal Care Center (opens in a new tab)
Glenn County’s published Tehama referral: feral cats excluded; domestic-cat intake is conditional on space

The county says feral cats will not be impounded and domestic cats are taken only when space is available. Contact Tehama Animal Care Center before transport.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Humboldt

Humboldt County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Humboldt County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Imperial

Imperial County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Imperial County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: The Animal Care and Control Program (ACCP) serves Imperial County’s unincorporated areas—over 4,000 square miles of towns, desert, and farmland—with 24/7 rescue and control services. Our shelter is full of lovable pets ready for a second chance!

Animal care/control — unincorporated service area

The Animal Care and Control Program (ACCP) serves Imperial County’s unincorporated areas—over 4,000 square miles of towns, desert, and farmland—with 24/7 rescue and control services. Our shelter is full of lovable pets ready for a second chance!

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Animal shelter services & referral information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: The Animal Care and Control Program (ACCP) serves Imperial County’s unincorporated areas—over 4,000 square miles of towns, desert, and farmland—with 24/7 rescue and control services. Our shelter is full of lovable pets ready for a second chance!

Imperial county dog-licence fees & program assistance (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Animal Care and Control’s published unincorporated-area program; confirm licensing eligibility and requirements

Published county Animal Care and Control licence-fee row; not a complete application workflow

Dog License Fee$5.00 *Neutered $10.00 *Unneutered

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Inyo

Inyo County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Inyo County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Kings

Kings County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Kings County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
Shelter area differs from field-response area

Kings County Animal Services – Animal Services division under the Kings County Sheriff’s Office - houses animals from the unincorporated parts of Kings County and Hanford City.  Field Services is responsible for responding to animal calls in the unincorporated areas of the county.  Types of calls Animal Services responds to include bite cases, restraint issues, animals running at large, welfare checks (neglect, cruelty cases, animal abuse).

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Animal shelter services & referral information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: Kings County Animal Services – Animal Services division under the Kings County Sheriff’s Office - houses animals from the unincorporated parts of Kings County and Hanford City.  Field Services is responsible for responding to animal calls in the unincorporated areas of the county.  Types of calls Animal Services responds to include bite cases, restraint issues, animals running at large, welfare checks (neglect, cruelty cases, animal abuse).

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Lassen

Lassen County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Lassen County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Los Angeles

Los Angeles County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Los Angeles County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Madera

Madera County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Madera County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
Public authority · Marin

Marin General Services Authority — animal care referral

MGSA manages the Marin Humane contract with the County and cities/towns. Marin Humane is the actual care/control provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: Marin Humane (MH) operates a county-wide animal care and control services program through a contract and partnership with the County and the cities and towns of Marin. The MGSA manages the MH contract in partnership with the County. Animal Services was added as a program for MGSA in 2015 and has included facilitating contract negotiations with MH, annual budget development, and resolution of various animal related issues with stakeholders.

MGSA contract and actual Marin Humane provider

Marin Humane (MH) operates a county-wide animal care and control services program through a contract and partnership with the County and the cities and towns of Marin. The MGSA manages the MH contract in partnership with the County. Animal Services was added as a program for MGSA in 2015 and has included facilitating contract negotiations with MH, annual budget development, and resolution of various animal related issues with stakeholders.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Marin Humane dog-license applications & renewal (opens in a new tab)
Existing immutable MGSA evidence naming the contracted operator; no legal government identity created for the nonprofit

Marin Humane (MH) operates a county-wide animal care and control services program through a contract and partnership with the County and the cities and towns of Marin. The MGSA manages the MH contract in partnership with the County. Animal Services was added as a program for MGSA in 2015 and has included facilitating contract negotiations with MH, annual budget development, and resolution of various animal related issues with stakeholders.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Marin Humane admissions — county/cities provider referral (opens in a new tab)
Existing immutable MGSA evidence establishes the actual county/cities contract provider; the nonprofit remains distinct from the public authority

MGSA manages the Marin Humane animal care/control contract with the county and cities/towns. Marin Humane publishes the admission conditions.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Mariposa

Mariposa County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Mariposa County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Mendocino

Mendocino County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Mendocino County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
After-hours calls — returned when staff on duty

All calls for service received that come in during off hours will be reviewed when staff comes on duty.  Please make sure to leave a call back number. Staff will call you at their first opportunity.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Merced

Merced County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Merced County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Merced dog-license instructions & contact (opens in a new tab)
County-published dog-license application/referral contact

Dogs must be licensed. Fines and penalties for an unlicensed dog may exceed $100 per animal. To find out how to license your dog, please call (209) 385-7436. Download a Printable License Application

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Modoc

Modoc County Animal Control contact & reporting

Current county staff-directory contact and official animal-control complaint portal only; no shelter facility, adoption, pet-license workflow or visit hours is verified.

Modoc animal custody & High Plateau partner referral (opens in a new tab)
County-issued evidence of animal-control custody/partner referral; environmental-health licensing remains a different provider

The Animal Control unit provides service to all areas within Modoc County. The Department of Animal Control is responsible for enforcing county codes regarding compliance with vaccinations and pet licensing within Modoc County. The Animal Control Officer works in conjunction with Modoc's Environmental Health Department which issues pet license. The officer focuses on abandoned, stranded, victimized animals at large in Modoc County. Shelter for these animals makes the community safer, and in many cases provides a loving home through High Plateau Humane Society for the animals that are not claimed. California Food and Agriculture Code Section §31108 requires extended holding periods for stray, feral, and relinquished pets. The law allows more time for animal adoption and the results are subsequently, overcrowding at shelters. Modoc residents can help reduce animal overpopulation by spaying or neutering pets. All animals adopted from shelters must be spayed or neutered. Effective January 1, 2000, the law requires an owner whose animals are impounded to pay fines. Additional fees will be charged if the animals are not spayed or neutered. For the current list of fees please see the Fee Schedule (PDF).

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

County-referred High Plateau surrender & adoption guidance (opens in a new tab)
Actual nonprofit partner limits; no current capacity, adoption guarantee or county-owned shelter asserted

HPHS does not take owner-surrendered dogs. Healthy friendly cats are accepted first-come when possible, with a waiting list when full; owners must care for them until an opening.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Mono

Mono County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Mono County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
Animal Services purpose and functions

Animal Services is a public health and safety enforcement agency dedicated to protecting people from animals and animals from people. We are committed to safeguarding community health and animal welfare. McAs achieves this through administering rabies control programs, public education initiatives, the promotion of responsible pet ownership, and facilitating the adoption of stray or unwanted animals.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Monterey

Hitchcock Road Animal Services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Monterey County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Nevada

Nevada County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Nevada County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
County shelter and Sammie’s Friends contract

County of Nevada operates the Nevada County Animal Shelter, which contracts with Sammie's Friends, a local animal shelter. The shelter accepts lost animals and facilitates animal adoptions. During emergency evacuations, Sammie's Friends may also serve a safe temporary shelter for animals.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Pet or dog licensing instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: The Animal Control Division is responsible for dog licensing throughout the unincorporated areas of the County of Nevada.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Placer

Placer County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Placer County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
Adoption animals receive listed treatment before leaving

All animals will be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, provided flea treatment and microchipped prior to leaving the shelter.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Placer pet-license application & renewal (opens in a new tab)

Service area: Placer county pet licensing excluding Auburn, Roseville and Rocklin city limits; verify other eligibility with the provider

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Plumas

Plumas County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Plumas County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Plumas County dog-licence application & mailing instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: Plumas county-form route; Portola has a separate city licence program

County form: annual multipliers, vaccination-limited terms up to three years, replacement tag and mailing destination

The term may be up to three years depending on rabies expiry. Mail the completed form, certificates and payment to the named Plumas Animal Shelter address.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Riverside

Riverside County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Riverside County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
Centralized call center

Note: Please be aware that all numbers below go to our centralized call center.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

No direct shelter telephone numbers

There are no direct phone numbers to any of our shelter locations.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Sacramento

Sacramento County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Sacramento County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
City government · San Benito

Hollister Animal Care & Services

City of Hollister provider. The source separately limits owner surrenders and after-hours stray intake to animals residing/found in San Benito County; this does not establish every city’s field response or licensing boundaries.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
After-hours animal emergency contact

The Hollister Animal Shelter provides 24-hour emergency services for injured, sick, and aggressive stray animals. For assistance after normal business hours, please contact the Hollister Police Department at (831)636-4330 and an Animal Control Officer will be dispatched.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Pet or dog licensing instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: City of Hollister and unincorporated San Benito County dog licensing; separate city/county applications and prices

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · San Bernardino

San Bernardino County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with San Bernardino County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: San Bernardino County Animal Care is an animal welfare agency that operates the Big Bear and Devore Animal Shelters to provide programs and services to all unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, and the cities of Big Bear Lake, Highland, and Yucaipa. If you live outside of our service areas, please check our list of other animal care agencies that provide service in the County.

Animal shelter services & referral information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: San Bernardino County Animal Care is an animal welfare agency that operates the Big Bear and Devore Animal Shelters to provide programs and services to all unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, and the cities of Big Bear Lake, Highland, and Yucaipa. If you live outside of our service areas, please check our list of other animal care agencies that provide service in the County.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · San Diego

San Diego County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with San Diego County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: We serve the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.

Animal shelter services & referral information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: We serve the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.

Pet or dog licensing instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: County Animal Services provides licensing to residents of the unincorporated areas of the county only.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · San Francisco

San Francisco Animal Care & Control

Official animal care/control provider associated with San Francisco County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
Open-admission animal shelter

San Francisco Animal Care & Control works daily to keep our community safe and to protect animals from abuse, neglect, and cruelty. SFACC is the City’s only open admission shelter; we accept all animals regardless of temperament, medical condition, or species. We rescue, reunite and rehome all species of animals.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · San Joaquin

San Joaquin County animal services

County Sheriff animal services handles county responsibilities; the county explicitly contracts with the City of Stockton for dog/cat sheltering and does not operate its own shelter.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
Sheriff animal services and unincorporated field response

Animal Services is operated under the direction of the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. It is responsible for protecting public health and safety by enforcing local, state, and federal laws and regulations that pertain to domesticated animals and their care in the unincorporated areas of San Joaquin County. Animal Services, in conjunction with the County Public Health Department, administers the state-mandated rabies control program, including vaccination clinics, reporting bites, and quarantine of biting animals within both County and City jurisdictions. The division, in conjunction with the County Community Development Department, administers local code enforcement related to animal zoning ordinances. Animal Services officers impound stray and unmanageable animals, remove injured, sick or dead animals, and inspect privately owned kennels and livestock areas, provide assistance with predatory animals, investigate complaints of animal abuse or neglect and take appropriate action to deal with other problems associated with the care of animals.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Dogs/cats sheltered by City of Stockton contract

The county does not operate an animal shelter. Instead, pursuant to FAC 31106 the Animal Services Division, through the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, contracts with the City of Stockton for sheltering services of impounded animals. The City of Stockton provides for the sheltering of dogs and cats.A private contract is maintained for the hauling, board and care associated with impounded livestock.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Pet or dog licensing instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: A dog license is a permit to keep a dog within the unincorporated area of the County of San Joaquin. It is similar to licensing your vehicle. Licensing allows the county to keep track of current rabies vaccinations. Another benefit is a found dog can be identified and returned to its owner. Cat licensing is not required by San Joaquin County. Dog licensing is required by law pursuant to County Ordinance 6-1005.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with San Luis Obispo County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: The Animal Services Division is responsible for providing animal care and control services throughout the County of San Luis Obispo and within each of the seven incorporated communities. Animal Services staff serve the community by helping to identify solutions to animal related problems, enforcing local ordinances and state laws relating to animals, providing humane education programs, and performing rabies control and surveillance. The Division also operates the only open-intake animal shelter in the county.

Animal shelter services & referral information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: The Animal Services Division is responsible for providing animal care and control services throughout the County of San Luis Obispo and within each of the seven incorporated communities. Animal Services staff serve the community by helping to identify solutions to animal related problems, enforcing local ordinances and state laws relating to animals, providing humane education programs, and performing rabies control and surveillance. The Division also operates the only open-intake animal shelter in the county.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Santa Barbara County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Santa Barbara County shelter adoption procedures (opens in a new tab)
County’s explicit changing-inventory warning; no live animals or capacity were collected

Adoption availability can change throughout the day. An animal shown online may already have an interested adopter or may no longer be available when you arrive.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

County's rendered official location page: three facilities and published winter hours; special closures and current capacity require operator confirmation

The county lists Lompoc, Goleta and Santa Maria shelters, with winter hours Tuesday–Sunday10a.m.–5p.m., closed Mondays and holidays. Call before travel.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

1 more service link
Santa Barbara owner-to-owner rehoming guidance (opens in a new tab)
County rehoming resources and private-guardian adoption; not physical shelter inventory, guaranteed public intake or a county-set private adoption fee

Try the county's rehoming resources before surrender. Private listings are animals with current guardians; adoption prices are set by those guardians.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Santa Clara

Santa Clara County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Santa Clara County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Animal shelter services & referral information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: Our mission is to offer shelter and care for homeless domestic and farm animals, reunite lost pets with their families, facilitate pet adoption, and investigate complaints of animal cruelty and neglect in the community to improve the lives of people and animals in the County. We provide all services to the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and sheltering services to the cities of Morgan Hill, Gilroy and Sunnyvale. Please join us in our lifesaving mission!

Pet or dog licensing instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: San Martin Animal Services provides dog and cat licenses to residents of the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
Public authority · Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

Official animal care/control provider associated with Santa Cruz County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Shasta

Shasta County Animal Regulations

The Sheriff’s Animal Regulations program serves unincorporated Shasta County. A county-operated animal shelter or dog-license workflow is not established by this page.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: Shasta County Animal Regulations services the unincorporated areas of Shasta County; to file a complaint or contact an officer please call 245-6065. In the case of an emergency call 911. To reach the non-emergency dispatcher please call 245-6540.

Haven Humane dog licensing — Shasta County referral (opens in a new tab)
Official county-to-Haven referral; Sheriff field enforcement remains a separate service

For licensing, adoptions, unwanted pets, cat trap rentals, and spay/neuter vouchers please contact the Haven Humane Society at 241-2550/241-1653.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Haven Humane shelter surrender restrictions & contact (opens in a new tab)
Haven Humane provider admission limits; not a promise of open intake

General owner-surrender dogs and large animals are not accepted. Cats and small animals have limited space; call about pets adopted from Haven.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

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County government · Sierra

Sierra County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Sierra County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)
Truckee shelter animal surrender charge

Pay the $292.00 fee (per animal) to the shelter.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

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County government · Siskiyou

Siskiyou County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Siskiyou County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

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County government · Solano

Solano County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Solano County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Animal shelter services & referral information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: Solano County Animal Care Division is responsible for the care of all stray, injured, abandoned, and unwanted animals for the seven surrounding cities: Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville, and Vallejo.

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County government · Sonoma

Sonoma County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Sonoma County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

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Public authority · Stanislaus

Stanislaus Animal Services Agency

Actual Stanislaus Animal Services Agency website. Its current legal government parent has not been independently bound to a registry government identity in this review. Temporary adoption promotions are not published as ongoing fees.

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County government · Tehama

Tehama County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Tehama County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Trinity

Trinity County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Trinity County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Trinity dog licensing — county issuer and rabies requirements (opens in a new tab)
County code identifies the actual Sheriff unit; no new agency or duplicated provider created

"Animal regulation unit" means the entity established within the Trinity county sheriff's department to enforce the provisions of the animal regulation ordinance and to exercise those powers and perform those duties as set forth in this chapter.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

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County government · Tulare

Tulare County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Tulare County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
County government · Tuolumne

Tuolumne County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Tuolumne County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Tuolumne Sheriff dog-registration form & mail instructions (opens in a new tab)
Current Sheriff application mailing address; not the Jamestown visiting address

Mailing address: Tuolumne County Animal Control 2 South Green St. Sonora, CA 95370

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Older county FAQ prices conflict with the current Sheriff form and separately captured July1,2025 price sheet; these FAQ values are not promoted as the current fee table

The FAQ lists lower prices than the current Sheriff form and matching price sheet. Ask Animal Control to confirm the amount before paying.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

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County government · Ventura

Ventura County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Ventura County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Official animal care & control information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: VCAS provides contract services to the residents of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Simi Valley, Ventura, and all unincorporated areas of Ventura County. VCAS is dedicated to improving the lives of the animals in their care, and to safeguard the community through rabies suppression and the sheltering of stray animals.

Camarillo shelter administrative role

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is an open admission, lifesaving, municipal animal welfare agency in the County of Ventura. The Camarillo Shelter, the main shelter, is located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties and houses the Administrative Offices and Veterinary Hospital. The Camarillo Shelter has a 400-animal capacity which can increase to over 900 during declared natural disasters.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Simi Valley shelter services

The Simi Valley Animal Shelter is smaller facility located three miles from Moorpark College and can house up to 40 animals.  The Simi Valley Shelter, however smaller, offers many of the same services and opportunities as the Camarillo Shelter, such as the intake of stray and surrendered animals, pet adoptions, pet licensing, the reclaim of lost animals, and volunteer opportunities.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Animal shelter services & referral information (opens in a new tab)

Service area: VCAS provides contract services to the residents of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Simi Valley, Ventura, and all unincorporated areas of Ventura County. VCAS is dedicated to improving the lives of the animals in their care, and to safeguard the community through rabies suppression and the sheltering of stray animals.

Full guide, contact details & sources →
Public authority · Yolo

Yolo County Animal Services

Actual Yolo County Animal Services provider site. The menu-only county source was not used as service evidence; current operator/legal government binding needs separate reconciliation.

Yolo County Animal Services licensing partner (opens in a new tab)
Yolo County Animal Services actual licensing partner; no operator legal-parent identity inferred

We have officially partnered with DocuPet for licensing pets in Yolo County! Licensing your pet protects public health by ensuring they’re vaccinated against rabies. It also increases the chances of a safe return if your pet gets lost. Learn More

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

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County government · Yuba

Yuba County animal services

Official animal care/control provider associated with Yuba County for browsing. Service areas can differ between sheltering, field response and licensing; confirm the specific address, species and service with the provider.

Pet or dog licensing instructions (opens in a new tab)

Service area: Animal Care Services is a division of the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department. Animal Care Services provides services for the unincorporated areas of Yuba County. Animal Care Services does not provide field services to the City of Wheatland, City of Marysville, or Beale Air Force Base; however, it does provide licensing services for the City of Wheatland ONLY.

Full guide, contact details & sources →

Selected agencies, with sources checked individually. See all coverage and sources.