▼

Animal Services

Show All Answers

1. What number do I call for information on...?

• General Information: (925) 335-8300 or (510) 374-3966
  Call with questions or concerns about injured or stray animals, lost and found pets, animal cruelty concerns, policy and procedure questions, or questions about animal laws.
  
• Licensing: (925) 335-8310
  
• Spay/Neuter Clinic: (925) 335-8320
  
• Volunteers: (925) 335-8330 Call this number for assistance with lost or stray animals or information on becoming an Animal Services Volunteer.
  
• Humane Education: (925) 335-8340 for information on classroom presentations.

2. How do I make a complaint?

Call (925) 335-8300 or (510) 374-3966 with questions or concerns regarding barking dogs, stray animals, or wildlife.

3. Foreclosure and pets . . . what can I do?

If you are unable to care for your pets due to foreclosure difficulties, you have the option to surrender them to Animal Services. Call us at 925-335-8300 for more information. You might also visit the Resources page of the East Bay SPCA website.

4. What will a dog license cost me?

It depends on whether your dog is spayed or neutered. Click here for more information.

5. Where are the Animal Services shelters located?

We have two locations:

Martinez Shelter
4800 Imhoff Place
Martinez, CA 94553-4393
(925) 335-8300

Pinole Shelter
910 San Pablo Avenue
Pinole, CA 94564-2632
(510) 374-3966

6. What are your hours?

Martinez and Pinole Shelters
Tuesday through Saturday
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesdays
10:00 am to 7:00 pm

We are closed Sunday, Monday, major holidays

Spay/Neuter Clinic (Martinez Shelter only)
Phone hours:
Tuesday - Friday
9 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 4 pm
925-335-8320
NOTE: Spay/neuter surgeries are by appointment only; pets scheduled for surgery must be at the Spay/Neuter Clinic between 7:30 am and 8 am on the morning of surgery.

Saturday
Vaccination Drop-In Clinic (no appointment needed)
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

7. I am a senior citizen. Am I eligible for a reduced dog license fee?

If you are 65 years of age or older, you are eligible for a reduced dog license fee, one per household. Proof of age is required. Call Licensing at 925-335-8310 for more information.

8. Where can I find out about dangerous animal laws?

Information on dangerous animals and potentially dangerous animals is located under the Animal Ordinance section of the County Code, Division 416-12.

9. Does my dog always have to be on a leash?

Yes, your dog must be on a leash and under your control unless s/he is on your property, the property of a consenting adult, or on property such as a dog park where the off-leash conditions are designated by appropriate signage or regulation(s). Contra Costa County enforces a "leash law," which forbids dogs from being at large or "loose" (with certain exemptions). See County Code Animal Ordinance, Division 416-4.402

10. Where can I get information on animal laws in Contra Costa County.

You are welcome to call us for information at (925) 335-8300. The Contra Costa County Code will also provide the information on animal laws in this county. Here is a link to the animal section of the Code.

11. How do I report abuse or neglect of an animal?

Call our general information line at 925-335-8300 to report suspected abuse or neglect of an animal.

12. Who do I call about injured wildlife?

Call Animal Services at (925) 335-8300 for advice about wildlife that you think might be injured. Also, Lindsay Wildlife Museum is a local organization which operates an on-site wildlife hospital in Walnut Creek, CA. Call (925) 935-1978 for more information or visit their website.

13. How do I get rid of wild turkeys in my yard?

Animal Services is unable to respond to wild turkey situations, unless the turkey is injured or creating a public safety hazard. The California Department of Fish and Game may be able to help you. For more information, check the Fish and Game website for advice and suggestions on living with wild turkeys.

14. How much does it cost to adopt an animal?

Fees vary depending on the animal being adopted. Please see our Animal Adoptions page for more information.

15. What are the requirements to adopt an animal?

You must be 18 years or older with a valid ID. Also, if you are a renter, the landlord's name and address are required.

16. What forms of payment are acceptable?

Adoptions and services may be paid by cash, check (with valid ID), VISA or MasterCard.

17. Why does my animal have to be altered and microchipped at adoption?

In an effort to reduce pet overpopulation, it is our policy that all of our animals are altered (spayed or neutered) as a condition of adoption. We microchip all animals to help ensure the safe return of a lost pet.

18. Do you have low-income vet care?

At this time, we do not offer low-income veterinary services. We suggest you search the internet, yellow pages, or call your local veterinarian.

19. West Nile Virus - how do I report a dead bird or squirrel?

Animal Services does not pick up dead birds or squirrels. If you want to report a dead bird or squirrel for possible West Nile Virus contamination, call 1-877-968-2473 or visit the State website at WestNile.ca.gov.

20. Skunks are living in my yard. . . how do I get rid of them?

If you find a dead or injured skunk, or believe a skunk has had contact with people or pets, DON'T HANDLE IT or try to trap it. Call Animal Services at 925-335-8300 for assistance. For helpful information on living safely with skunks or to request a skunk inspection, call the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District at 925-685-9301, ext. 190, or visit their website.