Filing a complaint (in the unincorporated County):
Call (916) 368-PETS (7387).
Please provide the following information:
- Exact location, with street names and addresses
- Complete description of the animal - size, color, breed, gender
- Nature of the abuse or problem
- License plates of owners
- Address and description of the home and suspected person
Learn more about how to file a complaint through the County's 311 Connect. Learn more about animal on animal violence.
The investigation:
- The Chief Animal Control Officer will assign an officer to investigate the issue.
- If no information is verified, the animal cannot be located, or further information deems the complaint to be unfounded, the complaint is closed.
- If the complaint is found to have merit, the officer will take the next necessary steps to move the issue forward.
- Vicious animal complaints require a vicious animal affidavit to be filed; at this time the Chief Officer will open an investigation.
After the investigation:
- If an animal has been abandoned or is being kept in an unsafe or unsatisfactory condition, a notice to impound the animal within two (2) business days is posted at the location by the officer. This two day period is required by law.
- At the end of the two days the officer returns, and if the situation is not corrected, the animal is impounded.
- If the animal is deemed to be in immediate danger, a hazard to others in the community or needs to be quarantined, the officers have the discretion to impound the animal immediately without the notice.
