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Animal Control

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1. How do I license my pet?

The Hesperia Municipal Code pertaining to licenses reads as follows:

Every resident in the City who owns, has an interest in, harbors and feeds, or has the care, charge, custody or possession of a dog four months of age or over and whether such dog is confined or not, shall obtain a City dog license for such a dog.

Each dog shall have a current rabies vaccination as evidenced by a valid certificate issued by the veterinarian who performed the vaccination as a requisite to licensing. Provided further, that rabies vaccination certificate shall not be required if the license is obtained at the time the dog is vaccinated at a city low-cost clinic. (Another section of the Hesperia Municipal Code requires that the license tag must be worn by the dog.)

While a dog is being used as a guard dog within the City, it must have a city dog license and the license tag must be securely fixed to the dog’s collar regardless of where the owner resides and whether a license has been obtained for that jurisdiction.

Although not required by law, we recommend that you license your cat also. Having a license tag will ensure that your cat will be returned home if it is impounded by Animal Services.

Licenses may be purchased at Hesperia Animal Services office located at 11011 Santa Fe Avenue, Hesperia, CA 92345, (760) 947-1700. Every animal licensed must provide a valid rabies certificate and sterility certificate if applicable.

2. How do I relinquish my pet?

Owners may relinquish their dog with an owner turn-in fee of $40 or their cat for a fee of $35. Owners must provide proof that they live in Hesperia. Animals may or may not be adopted.

Many factors are considered when choosing an animal available for adoption, such as:

• Temperament


• Age


• Health


• Breed

Unfortunately, Hesperia Animal Control takes in more animals daily, than are adopted or rescued. Many times the shelter is full to capacity with limited space in our Adoption Center. After the holding period, some animals are euthanized and relinquishing animals to a shelter should be your last resort.

Here are some options to be considered:

• Place an ad under “Free” in the local newspaper or weekly


• If the animal is a purebred then check a search engine on the internet for the breed rescue for that specific breed


• Place picture posters for give away in stores like Petsmart and Petco


• If you are relinquishing the animal because it has a behavioral problem then try Behavioral Specialist or Dog Trainers in the Yellow Pages or attend a dog training class through your local Park and Recreation Department, Petsmart, or Petco


• The animal shelter should be your last resort

3. How do I report a bite?

California State Law requires that all animal bites be reported. Bite reports may be received by phone, in person, or sent by the attending medical hospital and faxed to (760)947-1712.

An animal which has bitten someone will be quarantined for 10 days, either at the owner’s home or at the animal shelter. It is recommended that any person bitten by an animal seek medical attention, especially if bitten by cats.

Cat bites are known to cause serious infections to humans. Special attention and notification should be taken if bitten by a bat, skunk, fox, or coyote.

4. Who do I call if I see dogs running loose?

Call the Hesperia Animal Services at (760) 947-1700. All animals impounded are taken to the Hesperia Animal Shelter, 11011 Santa Fe Avenue, where they are held for a minimum of three working days, not including the day of impound, for the owners to claim.

The animals are available for adoption or owner redemption on the fourth day. The owners are required to show proof of current rabies vaccination, a Hesperia animal license or some type of proof of ownership. Owners must show proof that a dog is spayed or neutered or a State-mandated additional fee must be charged.

5. How do I find out if my animal has been impounded?

If the animal is wearing a current Hesperia license tag, we will notify the owner automatically by phone within 24 hours. If the animal is not wearing any type of identification the owner must visit our shelter and view the animals impounded.

Unaltered, unlicensed dogs and cats will be neutered before being returned to the owner. If you live outside the City of Hesperia, call the animal control agency for your jurisdiction to report animal problems.