Loose Animals

Domestic animals and pets rely on their owners to ensure their well-being and safety. El Dorado County does have an Ordinance 6.12.070 pertaining to loose dogs and other animals. 

If a loose animal is acting strangely, exhibiting aggressive behavior or has bitten someone, call Animal Services; after hours, call the Sheriff’s Dispatch at (530) 621-6600.  

DOGS- Owners of dogs are required to keep their dogs confined to their property or on a leash at all times. Call Animal Services if dogs are roaming loose in your neighborhood. Every attempt will be made to send an officer to the scene if the animal is running loose at the time the call was received by Animal Services. If the officer witnesses the dog running loose, the dog may be impounded or the owner may be informed of the law or receive a citation. If the dog has returned to the residence before the officer arrives on the scene, the dog cannot be impounded, however, a warning notice will be posted at the residence.

If you have had previous problems with a loose dog and attempts to resolve the issue have failed, there are a couple of options available. If the dog is on your property and you can safely and humanely contain it, you may call Animal Services to request that the dog be picked up. Do not attempt to confine a dog that is acting aggressively. Another option is to submit a Citizen Citation. This document outlines your complaint and must be signed by you in the presence of an Animal Services officer. By filing a Citizen Citation, you agree to testify in court regarding the incident.

LIVESTOCK - Horses, sheep, goats and other livestock must also remain under the control of their owners or be confined to the owner's property. Occasionally, livestock will escape or jump over fences, which is dangerous for them and a possible hazard to the public. Contact Animal Services if you see livestock running loose in El Dorado County.

WILD ANIMALS - Contact with wild animals such as skunks, raccoons, bears and mountain lions should be avoided. Wild animals can carry rabies and may attack people. Their behavior is often unpredictable.

For wildlife animal nuisance problems such as a non-injured squirrel or raccoon living in an attic or a skunk under the house, contact Wildlife Services at (530) 621-5520.

For mountain lion or bear problems, contact the California Department of Fish and Game at (916) 358-2888.  In any animal emergency, call 911. For additional information on how to avoid wildlife problems, see the Agriculture Department’s website.

 If you have any questions, please call Animal Services:
(530) 621-5795 in Placerville
(530) 573-7925 in South Lake Tahoe
(916) 358-3555 Ext. 5795 from El Dorado Hills