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Animal Services

About Our Team
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The City of Stockton Animal Services, serves our community of over 322,120 people. Our team works diligently to advocate for the welfare of the community’s animals. Our mission is to improve the lives of animals that enter the shelter, and neglected animals in the community. To create partnerships within the community, to educate pet owners by promoting humane and responsible care for their animals

We passionately commit to:
  1. Inspire and educate our community to embrace responsible pet ownership and to join us in safeguarding the rights of animals.
  2. Enforce and champion animal protection laws to prevent inhumane treatment of animals and ensure that all animals are treated with dignity and respect.
  3. Collaborate with other animal agencies, animal lovers, and like-minded organizations to create forward-thinking practices to improve the quality of life of all companion animals.
Our success is defined by the passionate pursuit of justice, compassionate education, and the strong bonds we form within the community, all working together to make the world a safer, more loving place for our beloved animal companions.

About Our Shelter

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The City of Stockton Animal Shelter is known for its transparency and for effectively promoting the humane and responsible care of companion animals. With an annual intake of approximately 11,000 animals, we continually strive to improve the care and services we provide to the animals that enter the shelter each year. Our shelter is more than just a place for homeless pets; it's a community that cares deeply about the welfare of our furry friends. We are dedicated to providing a safe, loving environment for animals while striving to find them their forever homes. Here's a glimpse into the services we offer

  1. Adoption: Find your perfect furry friend among our spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and health-checked animals.
  2. Foster Care: Providing temporary, loving homes for pets in transition or need.
  3. Lost and Found: Reuniting lost pets with their families.
  4. Education: Raising awareness about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and spaying/neutering.
  5. Spay/Neuter Clinics: Low-cost services to curb overpopulation of community cats.
  6. Vaccinations and Microchips: Rabies, DHPP, FVRCP, Bordetella and microchipping all provided at a low-cost.
  7. Volunteer: Join us in making a difference.
  8. Donations: Your support helps us provide care and shelter.
About Animal Services
Hours and Phone Numbers

Hours Of Operation

The Shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., closed on Mondays.  Our answering service is available everyday of the week to answer questions,  from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.  Please call (209) 937-7445 for more information.

After-Hours Emergencies

Contact the Stockton Police Department, Telecommunications Section, at (209) 937-8377.
Location


We are located at 1575 S Lincoln Street, Stockton, CA 95206.

Social Media
To stay connected with the Stockton Animal Shelter on social media, follow us on Facebook or Instagram by clicking the links below:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after finding a stray animal?

If you find a stray dog within the incorporated areas of the City of Stockton or the unincorporated area of San Joaquin County, and would like to bring it in, you can schedule a drop-off appointment by calling the Stockton Animal Services answering line at (209) 937-7445, during normal business hours.

If you find an injured, sick or aggressive animal, please report it to the Stockton Animal Services answering line at (209) 937-7445.
How do I report a deceased animal in a public roadway?

To report a deceased animal in a public street, sidewalk or roadway within the Stockton city limits, please call the City of Stockton Animal Services at (209) 937-7445, during normal business hours.

For deceased animals found on a public freeway or highway, within the Stockton City limits, please call CALTRANS at (209) 946-7820.

For deceased animal found within the unincorporated area of San Joaquin County, please call San Joaquin Animal Control at (209) 953-6070.
How do I dispose of my deceased pet?

For deceased pets, the City of Stockton offers a free disposal service at the Stockton Animal Shelter during normal business hours.  Animal owners must transport their deceased pets to the Stockton Animal Shelter.

If you prefer to dispose of your pet by burying your animal on your private property, please follow the guidelines as prescribed within our Stockton Municipal Code 6.04.310 Burying of Dead Animals.

Am I required to license my pet in the City of Stockton?

Yes, according to Stockton Municipal Code 6.04.090 Dog or Cat License , all owned dogs or owned cats within our city limits must be licensed.   All pets must have a current rabies vaccination and a microchip in order for a municipal licensed to be issued by the Stockton Animal Shelter.

How do I report an animal bite?

If an animal bite incident occurred with the Stockton city limits, please seek medical attention and call Animal Services at (209) 937-7445 immediately.  To report an animal attack in progress after business hours, please dial 9-1-1 to speak to a police operator.

It is important to gather the following information that can be vital throughout our investigation:
  • Description of bite animal:  Color, breed, male or female, distinguishing markers.
  • Location where animal bite occurred.
  • Address where bite animal lives.
  • Contact information of animal owners if present.
  • Pictures of injuries inflicted.
If you have any questions please call our Animal Services team at (209) 937-7445.
Can I surrender my pet to the Stockton Animal Shelter?

The City of Stockton has temporarily paused the intake of "owner surrendered" pets as a result of the high volume of strays coming into our local facility.  We encourage animal owners looking to surrender or rehome their pets, to contact private rescues or rehoming websites to assist with this matter.  If you have any questions related to this topic please contact our office at (209) 937-7445.
How do I request records for an animal related case?

You can formally request records for an existing animal services related case, by filling out our Records Request Form and emailing it to AnimalServices@stocktonca.gov.  If you are legal advisor or representing attorney, please include your signed letter of representation and authorization with this form.

If you don't know your case number please contact our office at (209) 937-7445, for further assistance.
What should I do after receiving  a notice in the mail or at my place of residence/ business?

If you've received a "notice to comply" in the mail or one has been posted at your place of business or residence, please follow the instruction provided within the notice.  If you still have questions regarding the notice received, please call our office during normal business hours, at (209) 937-7445.
Who should I call If I live in the unincorporated area of San Joaquin County?

If you live in the unincorporated areas of San Joaquin County, and have animal related questions or emergencies please contact San Joaquin County Animal Control at (209) 953-6070.

If you live in the unincorporated areas of San Joaquin county, and have stray dog that you wish to bring to the Stockton Animal Shelter, please call (209) 937-7445 during normal business hours, to schedule an appointment.
What is the cost for vaccines, licensing and microchipping?

The City of Stockton offers low-cost services at the Stockton Animal Shelter.  No appointments necessary, simply visit the shelter during normal business hours Tuesday - Sunday 12:00P.M. to 5:00P.M.  The cost for services are as follows:
  • $12.50 - Rabies Vaccine
  • $12.25 - DHPP/FVRCP 
  • $13.25 - Bordetella 
  • $5.95 - Microchipping
The licensing cost differs based on a few variables, which are as follows:
  • $15.00 - One year license for altered pets
  • $150.00 - One year license for unaltered pets.
  • Please call the Stockton Animal Shelter for animals deemed potentially dangerous or vicious by an animal services officer, for pricing details.
  • Senior discounts available upon request.
Who should I call to report wild animals?
The City of Stockton Animal Services officers are professionally trained to respond to domestic animal related service calls.  If you encounter any of the following wild animals, please call California Department of Fish and Wildlife for further assistance, at (916) 445-0411:

  • Raccoons
  • Possums
  • Skunks
  • Coyotes
  • Foxes
  • Hawks
  • And many more...
If you encounter any of the following animals that pose a threat to public safety, please call our office immediately at (209) 937-7445 or dial 9-1-1 for a police operator.

  • Bats (live or deceased).
  • Moutain Lions / Cougars
  • Or any wild animal that poses a threat to public safety.
Does the Stockton Animal Shelter euthanize pets for the public?
The City of Stockton Animal Shelter does not provide euthanasia services for owned pets.  We encourage people looking for euthanasia services for elderly pets or terminally ill pets, to contact local veterinary service providers for more information.
Shelter Statistics
2022 - Shelter Statistics
2023 - Shelter Statistics
Last Update : 03/15/2024, 7:52:34 PM