FAQs • Rancho Palos Verdes, CA • CivicEngage

What should I do if I find a lost pet?: If the dog or cat has a license or an ID tag, you can call the phone number listed on the tag to make contact with the owner. If you cannot contact the owner, or if the animal is not wearing a tag, the law requires that you turn in the animal to the animal control agency that serves the area where you found the animal. By doing so, you will increase the chances of the owner finding his / her lost pet. Many well-meaning people keep lost pets at their homes, not realizing the animal's owner is looking for the stray pet at the animal shelter.

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Animal Control Enforcement

1. What is the number to call Animal Control?: Call 310-523-9566 for Animal Control services.

2. What agency provides animal control services?: Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control provides animal control services. Effective July 1, 1998, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes entered into a service contract with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (LACDACC) to provide complete animal care and control services for the city. For a list of what the department's services entail, visit this page: Animal Control Services

3. What is the address for the County Animal Shelter and what are its hours of operation?: The address is:

Los Angeles County Animal Care Center
216 West Victoria
Gardena, California

Phone: 310-523-9566

The center's hours are:

Monday - Thursday
12 - 7 p.m.
Friday - Sunday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed on holidays

4. How do I report a neighbor’s barking dog?: Animal Control has established procedures to address barking dog complaints in 3 phases. The most efficient way to resolve the complaint is to consistently report the nuisance to Animal Control once every 7-10 days during a 3-4 week period. The county takes specific action if the noise hasn’t subsided after each complaint received. The process allows for voluntary compliance by the dog owner while establishing a defensible court case if needed. If too much time lapses between complaints, the process must begin anew.

Visit this page to view the complaint process: Barking Dog Complaint Process

5. How many pets are allowed per household?: The City’s Municipal Code limits 3 dogs and 3 cats per residential lot / household in the city.

6. What is the city’s leash law?: All dogs must be maintained on a leash no longer than 6 feet long when off the dog owner’s property.

7. Are dogs allowed on the city’s beaches and parks?: Dogs are not allowed on the city’s beaches. Dogs are permitted in the city parks, provided the dogs are on a leash.

8. Where can I get a license for my dog?: Dog licenses are available at the County Animal Shelter / Care Center at 216 West Victoria Avenue in Carson, by calling 562-345-0400 or by downloading the application online from the county’s website. The city and county host an annual dog licensing and rabies clinic generally in June at the Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall.
Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control

9. What are the dog license fees?: Dog license fees are $60 for an unaltered dog and $20 for a dog that has been spayed or neutered. A certificate of sterility from a veterinarian is required as proof.

10. What vaccinations are required by law?: All dogs 4 months and older are required by law to be vaccinated for rabies.

11. How long does a rabies vaccination last?: A rabies vaccination lasts 3 years.

12. What should I do if I see an injured animal?: Call the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control immediately at 310-523-9566. For your safety and to prevent further injury to the animal, do not attempt to move it.

13. What should I do if a dog bites me?: Immediately after caring for the wound, contact the County Health Department Rabies Control Section and the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control to file an incident report. County of Los Angeles Veterinary Public Health

14. Who do I contact about dead animals?: Animal control will pick up any dead animals, provided a specific street address is given. The city encourage citizens to call Animal Control directly at 310-523-9566. If the animal is on the street, it is helpful to give the hundred block number, street name, direction of street (i.e. northbound lane).

Any dead animals on private property may be picked up at the expense of the property owner. For any dead animals inside or under a private home, a private company in the telephone book must be contacted for assistance. You can also send a request for non-emergency animal control services, including dead animal pickup: Non-Emergency Animal Control Service Request

15. Can I trap raccoons in my yard?: Residents may trap nearly any kind of animal (except any endangered species) on their own private property. Neither the city nor Animal Control provides animal traps. Residents may look in the phone book for animal feed stores or supply stores to rent a trap. One popular feed store is Lomita Feed (310-326-4738). Animal control no longer picks up trapped animals.

16. What should do if I see a wild animal on my property?: If a wild animal comes onto your property, the best thing to do is to leave the animal alone. Generally, the animals will not return, unless there are attractive food sources on your property. To prevent future visits, secure garbage can lids, pick up garden debris or fallen fruit and take in uneaten pet food at night. If the animal is behaving in a threatening manner or is injured, contact the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control immediately at 310-523-9566. Do not attempt to capture or approach the animal.

17. What should I do if I find a lost pet?: If the dog or cat has a license or an ID tag, you can call the phone number listed on the tag to make contact with the owner. If you cannot contact the owner, or if the animal is not wearing a tag, the law requires that you turn in the animal to the animal control agency that serves the area where you found the animal. By doing so, you will increase the chances of the owner finding his / her lost pet. Many well-meaning people keep lost pets at their homes, not realizing the animal's owner is looking for the stray pet at the animal shelter.

18. When and how should I look for my lost pet?: If your pet is wearing a current license of ID tag, the County Animal Care and Control Department will make every effort to notify you and reunite you with your pet. You are encouraged to visit the Animal Shelter at 216 West Victoria Avenue in Carson to look for your lost pet. Animals picked up within the city’s jurisdiction will be taken to this shelter and cared for. Be sure to check all areas of the shelter and ask about any injured animals that may have been taken to a veterinarian or that were picked up dead off the street. Be sure to leave information about your lost pet on the shelter's lost / found bulletin board. It’s always helpful if you bring a current photo, if you have one.

19. Where can I adopt a pet from the Animal Shelter?: You can adopt a pet here:

Los Angeles County Animal Care Center
216 West Victoria
Gardena, CA

Phone: 310-523-9566

Hours:
Monday - Thursday
12 - 7 p.m.
Friday - Sunday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed on holidays