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Sonoma County Animal Services
County Of Sonoma › Health and Human Services › Health Services › Divisions › Public Health › Animal Services › FAQ
Sonoma County Animal Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Brown bunny on green grass

Are you the Shelter on Highway 12?

No, we are Sonoma County Animal Services, a municipal shelter located at 1247 Century Court in Santa Rosa, near the airport and the SMART train. You can reach us by phone at (707) 565-7100. Oour phone and lobby hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adoption hours are Tuesday through Sauturday noon to 4:30 p.m. We are closed all Sundays, Mondays and holidays.

The Humane Society of Sonoma County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal organization located on 5345 Highway 12 West in Santa Rosa. https://humanesocietysoco.org/
Do you euthanize animals?
We never euthanize animals for time or space. We accept animals in all medical and behavioral conditions. Consequently, humane euthanasia may be an option for extreme medical and behavioral or public safety issues. We are a municipal sheter and therefore, we bear the responsibility for public safety and health of the community, and above all else, the humane treatment of animals.
How can I adopt an animal from the shelter?

Please review our  animals, adoption process, fees, and hours on our Adopt page.
What should I do if there is a wild animal under my house or on my property?

We do not offer wildlife services. Please call a Wildlife Exclusion Service or Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue Hotline at (707) 526-9453 or visit their website for more information.

For help with orphaned, sick or injured wildlife:
What should I do if there is a dead animal on my property?

The location and type of deceased animal determines who you need to call for removal. 

For pets, livestock and wildlife on private property, call one of the removal companies below:

For pets, livestock and wildife on public roads and property, or stray pets on private property, call the appropriate agency below:
What should I do if I find a stray animal?

Please review the detailed information on our Found Animal page, which includes information for all types of stray animals and the protocols for reporting them, including stray kittens with or without a momma cat.
What should I do if I find community or feral cats?

    Community cats are cats without owners, and generally not tame and are afraid of people. They are also known as feral cats. Please review our Spay and Neuter page for more information and how we can help.
    What happens to the stray animal I bring to the shelter?
    1. It will be scanned for a microchip, have its picture taken and receive vaccinations, flea treatment and a dewormer.
    2. It will be placed on a stray hold for 4  business days or 10 days if the animal has identification. Livestock are held for 14 days.
    3. It will be assessed for adoptability based on their behavioral and medical conditions if an owner does not pick it up.
    4. It may be made adoptable, transferred to one of our partners or humanely euthanized, depending on its behavioral or medical conditions.
    5. It will be posted on our Adoptable Animals page if it is deemed adoptable.

    More information about found pets is available on our If You Found a Pet page.
    What if I want to surrender or rehome my animal?

    Please review the information on our Rehome Your Pet page.
    What should I do if there is a barking dog in my neighborhood?

    Review our Report an Issue page for the necessary steps in reporting a barking dog.
    What is the return policy on adoptions?

    If you are unable to keep the animal for any reason, you may return it during the first two weeks after adoption by scheduling an appointment. While you will not receive a refund, in most cases you will have a credit on file towards another adoption.

    If you have had the animal longer than two weeks, the return will be treated as an owner surrender, subject to fees and your name will go on a waiting list.

    More information is available on our Rehome Your Pet page.

    If you have any behavioral concerns with your new pet, contact one our Animal Health Technicians for support. Please keep in mind it may take several weeks for your new pet to adjust to life outside the shelter. Most of our animals will need professional training or an experienced pet owner.
    Do you offer vet services?

    No, but we have a four low or no cost Spay and Neuter programs. We do not offer veterinarian clinical or emergency services.
    What is a microchip and how does it work?

    A microchip is a barcoded device the size of a rice grain implanted under the skin of your pet. The barcode represents a number.  When an animal is taken to a shelter or veterinarian, or picked up by an animal services officer, it can be scanned for a microchip. If one is detected, the nunber  is researched for animal, owner, implant facility and manufacturer  information. All animals leave our shelter with a microchip. If you wish to have your pet microchipped, we can do so at our facility for a fee if you animal is friendly.

    Having a microchip helps identify a stray animal and can provide a means for reuniting  it with its owner. If your pets are microchipped, remember to update the microchip provider your with current addresses, phone numbers, email and secondary contacts.

    For more information about microchipping, please review our License and Microchip page.

     
    How do I license my dog or cat?

    If you live in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Unincorporated Sonoma County or Windsor, visit our License and Microchip page for information on fees, how to register your pets and why licensing is important.
    How can I help the shelter?

    You can help Sonoma County Animal Services in the following ways:

    • Donate
    • Adopt
    • Foster
    • Volunteer
    • Purchase supplies from our Amazon Wishlist
    • Share and like our posts on social media
      • Instagram:@socoanimalservices       
      • X & Tiktok: @socoanimals
      • Facebook: Sonoma County Animal Services