Frequently Asked Questions, Animal Care and Regulation - County of Sacramento, California, USA

Why does it cost money to adopt?
Fees are charged to help offset the high costs of housing, caring and providing medical attention for the animals. The adoption fee includes spay or neuter surgery, a microchip and all initial immunizations. These fees do not cover the actual costs and are much less than what you'd pay for individual services.

What are the rules about animals in our County?
Click to County Codes

Does the shelter offer spaying and neutering?
We spay and neuter all animals that are being adopted, but are not equipped at this time to offer these services in general.

How many animals can I have?
Residents of the unincorporated County can keep up to 4 dogs/cats, all of which have to be licensed ( a total of 4 animals ). To keep more animals, a kennel license must be obtained. Call (916) 874-6221 for information.

What if I exceed the number of animals in Sacramento County?
If you are reported to us, we will work with you to help bring you into compliance. If you do not comply, you will be issued a citation and will have to appear in court. You could be fined and charged court-related costs.

Why are there so many pit bull and large dogs instead of smaller breeds?
The shelter receives many large dogs because people often lose interest in these breeds when they have passed their cute puppy stage, or they have not properly trained the animal and they have become too much to handle. Also, the small dogs that arrive are adopted quickly and do no stay long in the shelter.

What is a leash law?
Dogs must be kept on a leash when off of their owner's private property, with some exceptions. Read section 8.08.056 in the code for more information.

Is it illegal to transport dogs in the back of trucks?
No person other than an individual transporting working dogs within agricultural or rural areas of the County shall transport or carry on any public highway or public roadway any animal, wild or domestic, in or by a motorized vehicle unless the animal is as follows:
Safely enclosed within the vehicle, 2. Protected within a secured container within, upon, or by such a vehicle, 3. Securely cross-tethered or secured to such vehicle by rope, chain, or other device in a fashion which prevents injury to the animal from falling, being ejected from or jumping from the vehicle (See section 8.08.051 of code).

Can you call us if an animal is not claimed?
At this time we do not have the manpower to do this, however you can visit the shelter to check on the status.

Do you have background history on your animals?
Since most of our animals are stray we do not have history on them, but we do offer a twenty day return policy if the adoption does not work out.

Why do I have to pay to pick up my own animal?
There are costs associated with taking calls, dispatching officers, picking up the animals, processing the paperwork, feeding and sheltering them, and providing medical assessment and care when needed.

What do I do if my neighbor's dog won't stop barking?
Call (916) -875-5656 to report the nuisance (see our information on barking dogs).

Is it OK to put dead birds or small animals into our garbage containers?
Yes, customers of County Waste Management & Recycling can put dead animals that weigh less than 15 lbs into their garbage carts. If they weigh 15 lbs or more, they must be taken to a rendering plant, veterinary clinic, animal shelter, pet cemetery or buried on the property owner’s property, so long as no nuisance is created. When disposing of dead birds, wear gloves, enclose and tie the bird in a plastic bag and wash your hands thoroughly when finished.

If my animal dies, can I bury it in my backyard?
Technically yes, but preferably not. Decaying buried animals can pose biological contamination risks to water systems, humans and animals who may come into contact with the carcass. Alternatives include taking your animal to a local vet hospital or shelter for disposal, or to a crematorium for cremation.

What happens if I don't license my animals?
It is important to keep your animals licensed; it helps reunite you with your lost pet should they come to the shelter or be found by another person.
If you are cited for not having a license you will have to purchase the license and then come to the shelter to have your citation cleared within 7 days. If this is not done the citation will be sent to court. At court you may receive a citation fee ($81.00 plus court cost of $15.00). You will still need to purchase a license.

Do I have to have a license to breed and sell dogs or cats in Sacramento County?
Yes, you must have a business license. If you have more than 4 dogs you will also need a kennel permit and be in an appropriately zoned area. The Planning Department reviews business licenses and zoning issues.

Will Animal Care remove wild animals, including cats from my neighborhood?
No, for pick-up of wild animals you must contact a licensed wildlife trapper or call County Agricultural Commission at (916) 875-6603. To remove feral cats from your neighborhood, there are humane traps available for rent from many local area feed stores.

Why do I have to license my indoor cats?
It is quite common for indoor cats to escape or accidentally get out. Without a license your cat may not be returned to you. All cats should have ID—thousands of cats are euthanized at local shelters because their owners cannot be notified that the cat has been impounded.

What do I do if I receive a citation?
Citations for unlicensed animals need to be cleared at our facility within seven (7) days.
To clear the citation and purchase your new license, provide a copy of the citation, a current rabies certificate valid for at least one year and a copy of the spay/neuter certificate, if appropriate.
The minimum fee to clear the citation and purchase a license is $25.
Uncleared citations are sent to the court after seven (7) days. Information about the court is located on your citation. Other citations, such as animals at large, kennel/cattery or cruelty cases must be cleared through the court

Why does the shelter have to euthanize animals?
There are several reasons: if the animal is in too poor of health to be adopted, is aggressive and would be a danger to children or a new owner, or if we have more animals coming then there is space for. Animal overpopulation and irresponsible pet ownership is a problem and we are dedicated to being a part of the solution through increasing shelter adoptions, supporting spay and neuter programs and educating residents whenever possible.

How is euthanasia done?
Staff is trained to humanely and quickly euthanize an animal using an injection of a solution. This process is similar to how the procedure is performed in a veterinarian's office. The process is always emotionally difficult for our staff and a part of our jobs we wish didn't exist.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions