Each household within the city limits of Sacramento is allowed to have no more than 3 dogs and 7 cats. A dog is counted towards that limit if the dog is over the age of 4 months, while a cat is counted towards that limit if the cat is over the age of 2 months (see Sacramento City Code 9.44.370).
In addition, it is permissible for a resident within the city limits of Sacramento to own a potbelly pig. A potbelly pig cannot be more than 22 inches high at the shoulder or weigh more than 150 pounds. Also, any male potbelly pig over the age of 4 months must be neutered (see Sacramento City Code 9.44.320). The number of potbelly pigs allowed is no more than 3, however, this limit is connected to the limit of dogs. In other words, a resident is not allowed more than a combination of 3 dogs and potbelly pigs.
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Sacramento is divided into two parts: the city limits and the county limits. The easiest way to distinguish whether you are in the city or county limits is to view your street sign attached to the pole, street lights, traffic light, or any other structure on the corner of the street. If it is green colored, then you are in the city limits. If it is white colored, then you are in the county limits.
Also, If you are serviced by the Sacramento Police, then you are in the city limits. If you are serviced by the Sacramento County Sheriffs, then you are in the county limits.
Animal control service is based on jurisdiction. The Front Street Animal Shelter responds to calls within the city limits and accepts animals only from residents who reside within the city limits of Sacramento. The Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation responds to call from residents within the county limits.
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Check out the list of off-leash dog parks in the City of Sacramento as well as the dog park rules.
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You can use an anti-barking training device, such as a static-shock collar and a citronella-spray collar. They can be purchased at most local pet stores.
You may consult with a local animal behaviorist, who can be referred to you by your veterinarian, the Sacramento Dog Training Club at (916) 482-5194, or the Sacramento Council of Dog Clubs at (916) 483-3602.
For additional information, check out the shelter's Barking Complaints & Solutions section.
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If at all possible, we recommend speaking to the dog owner first before contacting animal control. You may also want to speak to your neighbors and see if it they have the same problem as you do. We advise you to keep a written log so that you can document the times and the duration of the barking, the contact you may have with the owner or with animal control, etc.
For additional information, check out the shelter's comprehensive Barking Complaints & Solutions section.
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Within the city limits of Sacramento, cats are recognized as free-roaming animals, regardless of whether they are owned, stray, friendly or feral. Unlike dogs, cats may roam freely throughout the city, are not required to be on a leash, and do not need to be confined onto the owner's property.
To prevent stray cats from overrunning your property, from being a nuisance, and from constantly breeding, you may pick them up and confine them in an enclosure (such as a cardboard cat carrier, a sturdy box with a lid and holes for ventilation, or a cat crate/carrier) if they are friendly.
However, if they are aggressive or timid, we highly recommend trapping them in a humane manner. The City of Sacramento Animal Care Services does not offer the service of trapping cats nor renting or selling traps. You may rent or purchase a humane cat trap at a local feed store, such as Western Feed (1600 34th Street, Sacramento CA 95816. 916-452-4741).
Also, the City of Sacramento Animal Care Services does NOT offer pick-up service for stray cats that have been contained or trapped. You may surrender a stray cat at the shelter's Reception Center. This building is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located about 100 feet north of the shelter's Main Building.
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Effective January 1, 2007, California law prohibits tethering, chaining, fastening, or restraining of dogs to any stationary object. Violations can be punished by a fine up to $1000 and/or 6 months in jail.
Chained or tethered dogs can injure or strangle themselves to death when their chains or tethers become entangled with other objects, or their collars become embedded in their necks. Also, chained or tethered dogs can become aggressive due to intense confinement, lack of socialization, and the inability to escape from perceived threats, and are more likely to bite or attack someone who approaches.
However, an owner is permitted to attach a dog to a running line, pulley, or trolley system (use of a choke collar or pinch collar is prohibited). An owner may also tether a dog pursuant to requirements of a camping or recreational area or tether a dog no longer than is necessary to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained for a reasonable period (i.e. cannot exceed 3 hours in a 24-hour period).
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Effective November 1, 2011, residents within the city limits of Sacramento may own a maximum of three (3) chickens per residential parcel. For more info, please read the requirements for keeping chickens.
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The Front Street Animal Shelter no longer responds to calls of trapped healthy wildlife. Specifically, we do not trap nor relocate healthy wildlife. Because relocation violates federal law and the only other option is extermination, we cannot in good conscience exterminate healthy, viable animals.
The city of Sacramento is situated around two major rivers that produce an abundant population of wildlife, whereby residents must learn to cohabitate with in order to preserve the natural conditions and habitats of this region.
A citizen seeking alternatives may try one of the following options:
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Contact the County Wildlife Trapper at 916-875-6603.
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Contact private wildlife companies, such as Creature Catchers (530-885-7378) and Critter Control (800-700-8715).
The Humane Society of the United States offers humane solutions to resolving wildlife conflicts. Check out their informative guide .
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You can check out the website of the following organizations and contact them for more info:
In addition, if you happen to be interested in adopting a chicken, you may contact the above organizations.
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