Chico Animal Control
Chico Animal Control is operated under the Chico Animal Services Section of the Chico Police Department. Animal Control is responsible for the following within the incorporated portion of the City of Chico:
- Enforcing all state laws and local codes related to animals
- Picking up dogs running at large
- Enforcing Rabies control and licensing
- Taking bite reports and quarantining animals for Rabies observation
Contact Chico Animal Control
- Call Chico Animal Control at 530-897-4960 - Please leave a message with your name and contact information. Animal Control Officers are usually out in the field, but check messages frequently.
- Email Chico Animal Control at animalcontrol@chicoca.gov - Please do not send urgent requests through email.
Chico Municipal Code
Chico Municipal Codes pertaining to animals, including the requirements for dog licensing are under Title 7. Codes to animals in parks are under Title 12R. Codes pertaining to animal keeping are under Title 19, specifically 19.76.040
Dog Licensing
All dogs over four months of age that have been in the City of Chico for more than 30 days must have a dog license. A dog license can be purchased online through the City of Chico's licensing portal, or in person at the Chico Animal Shelter located at 2579 Fair Street or at Chico City Hall, 411 Main Street. Proof of a Rabies vaccination in the form of a Rabies Certificate is necessary to obtain a dog license. Licenses can be purchased for one, two, or three years, but never for a period longer than the Rabies vaccination is valid.
Animal Control Agencies Outside of Chico
Each City or County is responsible for providing animal care and control for their jurisdiction, it's important that found animals go to the shelter that serves the location where the animal was found. Not only does this ensure tax payers are only paying for animals found in their jurisdiction, it increases the chance of pets being reunited with their owners. For other jurisdictions, not listed below, please contact that jurisdiction's police or sheriff's department for their animal control agency.
Barking Dogs
Chico Animal Services is here to solve your barking dog complaint. We encourage you to work out any barking dog issues with your neighbors. A formal complaint should be filed only after your attempts to resolve the problem have been unsuccessful.
PLEASE NOTE: Not all barking is considered nuisance barking. A dog barking at someone coming onto private property where the dog is located such as a service person, a visitor or intruder, or a dog barking because they are being teased or provoked by someone (other than their owner), would not be considered nuisance barking.
Complaints about barking happening on private property (within an apartment complex or mobile home park) should be handled by the apartment or park manager.
PLEASE NOTE: Not all barking is considered nuisance barking. A dog barking at someone coming onto private property where the dog is located such as a service person, a visitor or intruder, or a dog barking because they are being teased or provoked by someone (other than their owner), would not be considered nuisance barking.
Complaints about barking happening on private property (within an apartment complex or mobile home park) should be handled by the apartment or park manager.
If you feel the barking is truly a nuisance, the first step is to contact the dog's owner. Call, visit or write a letter (posted or mailed) to your neighbor explaining that their dog is barking, and be as detailed as possible using the information from your log. Your neighbor may not even know their dog is barking and quite often this is all that is needed to resolve the issue. Note the day and time you called or visited and keep a copy of the letter you sent for your records.
If your attempts to resolve the barking dog issue directly with the dog owner have been unsuccessful, start a barking dog investigation by filling out a Barking Dog Complaint Form.
You must have the accurate address of where the dog resides on the complaint form. Be advised that once you have filed this form as a complainant, you may be asked to attend an administrative hearing if the person that was cited contests the citation. If you do not attend the hearing, the citation may be dismissed in the dog owner’s favor, ending the complaint process.
Once you complete and submit an Initial Barking Dog Complaint form, an Animal Control Officer will visit the dog owner to make them aware of the complaint. The owner will receive tips to reduce the barking and inform them of the consequences for not complying. Often this may be enough to resolve the barking dog issue.
At the time of Animal Control Initial visit, the owner will receive a Notice of Violation which will give them 7 days to address the barking issues. If after 7 days the barking has not subsided, a barking dog log must be completed by the complainant and sent to Animal Control for review. If that log shows nuisance barking an Administration Citation may be written to the dog owner. Please not that If the barking completely stops or does not happen for a period of time, Animal Control may request a brand-new barking dog investigation be started.
The fine for a violation of Title 7 of the Chico Municipal Code is $75.00 for the first offense, $150.00 for the second offense and $300.00 for the third offense. Each day the violation continues is a separate offense.
If you have questions about barking dogs, please contact Chico Animal Control at 530-897-4960.
Once you complete and submit an Initial Barking Dog Complaint form, an Animal Control Officer will visit the dog owner to make them aware of the complaint. The owner will receive tips to reduce the barking and inform them of the consequences for not complying. Often this may be enough to resolve the barking dog issue.
At the time of Animal Control Initial visit, the owner will receive a Notice of Violation which will give them 7 days to address the barking issues. If after 7 days the barking has not subsided, a barking dog log must be completed by the complainant and sent to Animal Control for review. If that log shows nuisance barking an Administration Citation may be written to the dog owner. Please not that If the barking completely stops or does not happen for a period of time, Animal Control may request a brand-new barking dog investigation be started.
The fine for a violation of Title 7 of the Chico Municipal Code is $75.00 for the first offense, $150.00 for the second offense and $300.00 for the third offense. Each day the violation continues is a separate offense.
If you have questions about barking dogs, please contact Chico Animal Control at 530-897-4960.
Rabies
What is Rabies?
- A virus that affects the brain/nervous system of all mammals
- Transmits when infected saliva enters through a break in the skin - bite or scratch, or fresh wound like a scrape or cut, or more rarely, contact with mucous membranes - eyes, nose, mouth.
- Cannot be passed through contact with urine, feces, or blood of infected animal
- Can incubate anywhere from 10 days to more than a year
- Over 99% fatal once symptoms appear
- Skunks and Bats are the most common carriers of Rabies in California.
- Bats are the primary source of Rabies in Butte County.
Preventing Rabies
- Keep Rabies vaccinations current for all dogs and cats, even if they don't go outside.
- Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
- Report all animal bites to Animal Control.
For more information about Rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Wildlife
One of the great things about Chico is the diverse wildlife living in and around the community, including squirrels, bats, raccoons, opossums, skunks, snakes, deer, coyotes, and even an occasional mountain lion or bear!
Since wild animals can pose a safety as well as health risk, it's best to admire them from a safe distance, and never try to touch or handle them.
Chico Animal Services does not provide wildlife trapping or removal. For comprehensive information about how to humanely deal with wildlife issues, including animals that have accidentally gotten into your home, please see the link to the Humane Society of the United States in the Resources below. You can also get information there on finding a wildlife removal service that is humane and effective.
Chico Animal Services believes that most wildlife issues can be resolved using non-lethal methods, and encourages people to coexist with wildlife when at all possible. Just removing an offending animal does not address the underlying issues, and will leave a void that another animal will fill. Eliminating food sources and places for wildlife to live are the best ways to prevent wildlife from becoming a nuisance around your home. Some ways to do this are:
Since wild animals can pose a safety as well as health risk, it's best to admire them from a safe distance, and never try to touch or handle them.
Chico Animal Services does not provide wildlife trapping or removal. For comprehensive information about how to humanely deal with wildlife issues, including animals that have accidentally gotten into your home, please see the link to the Humane Society of the United States in the Resources below. You can also get information there on finding a wildlife removal service that is humane and effective.
Chico Animal Services believes that most wildlife issues can be resolved using non-lethal methods, and encourages people to coexist with wildlife when at all possible. Just removing an offending animal does not address the underlying issues, and will leave a void that another animal will fill. Eliminating food sources and places for wildlife to live are the best ways to prevent wildlife from becoming a nuisance around your home. Some ways to do this are:
- Feeding pets indoors only,
- Keeping garbage cans tightly covered,
- Keeping crawl spaces and attic vents secured,
- Keeping trees trimmed away from your home to prevent roof/attic access.
Orphaned or Injured Wildlife
If you find orphaned or injured wildlife, please contact Bidwell Wildlife Rehab. They are an all volunteer organization and not taking phone calls, so please click on the link to their website and fill out the online form so someone can get back to you as soon as possible. While you are waiting, there are links on their website with information on the best way you can help the animal you have found until someone can get back to you.
Fee Schedule
Adoption Fees:
This is the fee for adopting an animal through the City of Chico Animal Shelter. The fee includes a heart-worm or Felv/FIV test, a microchip, and a rabies vaccination if old enough. All dogs, cat and rabbits must be spayed or neutered if not already done.
Cat adoption fee: $49.00 + $21.00 Co-Pay (Kittens and cats up to 8 years old.)
$49.00 (Cats over 8 years old.)
Dog adoption fee: $59.00 + $50 Co-Pay
Small animal adoption fee: $13.50 (+$50 Co-Pay for Rabbits $50)
Cardboard Cat Carrier: $5.00
Impound Fees:
This fee is for an animal that is picked up as a stray. The fee increases each time the animal is picked up during a one year period starting July 1st and ending June 30th. If a dog is picked up in May, it would be considered a first impound. If he is picked up again in July, it would also be counted as a first impound. But if he is picked up again in February, that would be considered a second impound.
Dogs/Cats: Other:
First Impound: $46.50 $18.50
Second Impound: $65.00 $28.00
Third Impound: $84.00 $34.50
Spay/Neuter Fine:
If your dog or cat is not spayed or neutered at the time of impound, there is an additional spay/neuter fine that is added to the impound and board fees. This fee is over the lifetime of the animal, and does not reset annually like the impound fees.
First: $35.00
Second: $50.00
Additional: $100.00
This is the fee for adopting an animal through the City of Chico Animal Shelter. The fee includes a heart-worm or Felv/FIV test, a microchip, and a rabies vaccination if old enough. All dogs, cat and rabbits must be spayed or neutered if not already done.
Cat adoption fee: $49.00 + $21.00 Co-Pay (Kittens and cats up to 8 years old.)
$49.00 (Cats over 8 years old.)
Dog adoption fee: $59.00 + $50 Co-Pay
Small animal adoption fee: $13.50 (+$50 Co-Pay for Rabbits $50)
Cardboard Cat Carrier: $5.00
Impound Fees:
This fee is for an animal that is picked up as a stray. The fee increases each time the animal is picked up during a one year period starting July 1st and ending June 30th. If a dog is picked up in May, it would be considered a first impound. If he is picked up again in July, it would also be counted as a first impound. But if he is picked up again in February, that would be considered a second impound.
Dogs/Cats: Other:
First Impound: $46.50 $18.50
Second Impound: $65.00 $28.00
Third Impound: $84.00 $34.50
Spay/Neuter Fine:
If your dog or cat is not spayed or neutered at the time of impound, there is an additional spay/neuter fine that is added to the impound and board fees. This fee is over the lifetime of the animal, and does not reset annually like the impound fees.
First: $35.00
Second: $50.00
Additional: $100.00
Board*:
This fee covers the feeding and care of the animal while it is at the shelter. The owner is charged $15.00 for the first 24 hours (or portion thereof) an animal is at the shelter, then and additional $15.00 each night the animal is here.
Board: $15.00
*NOTE: We do not provide boarding services for owned animals.
Quarantine:
The Chico Animal Shelter offers a low-cost quarantine option for animals that are owned by city of Chico residents. Animals are not required to be quarantined at the shelter, and the owner may quarantine their animal at a veterinarian of their choice. Animals that are quarantined at the shelter are charged board for each night at the facility. Other fees may apply if the animal was brought in as a stray.
Quarantine: $15.00/night
This fee covers the feeding and care of the animal while it is at the shelter. The owner is charged $15.00 for the first 24 hours (or portion thereof) an animal is at the shelter, then and additional $15.00 each night the animal is here.
Board: $15.00
*NOTE: We do not provide boarding services for owned animals.
Quarantine:
The Chico Animal Shelter offers a low-cost quarantine option for animals that are owned by city of Chico residents. Animals are not required to be quarantined at the shelter, and the owner may quarantine their animal at a veterinarian of their choice. Animals that are quarantined at the shelter are charged board for each night at the facility. Other fees may apply if the animal was brought in as a stray.
Quarantine: $15.00/night
Licensing:
City of Chico residents can purchase a dog license at the Chico Animal Shelter, or through Chico's online licensing portal.
City of Chico residents can purchase a dog license at the Chico Animal Shelter, or through Chico's online licensing portal.
City of Chico: Altered Unaltered
1 Year $22.50 $45.00
2 Year $38.50 $79.00
3 Year $49.50 $101.50
Late fee: $20.50
Tag replacement: $11.00
Transfer of ownership: $5.00
1 Year $22.50 $45.00
2 Year $38.50 $79.00
3 Year $49.50 $101.50
Late fee: $20.50
Tag replacement: $11.00
Transfer of ownership: $5.00
Microchip:
Microchip includes free lifetime registration and information updates.
Microchipping: NO FEE for City of Chico residents
Animal Euthanasia:
We offer low cost euthanasia services to City of Chico residents. The service is provided by appointment only.
Under 50 lbs. $31.50
50-100 lbs. $37.00
100-200 lbs. $45.00
Over 200 lbs. $45.00
Animal Disposal:
The Chico Animal Shelter offers low cost disposal for your pet.
All animal disposal is handled by Koefran, located in Sacramento.
Microchip includes free lifetime registration and information updates.
Microchipping: NO FEE for City of Chico residents
Animal Euthanasia:
We offer low cost euthanasia services to City of Chico residents. The service is provided by appointment only.
Under 50 lbs. $31.50
50-100 lbs. $37.00
100-200 lbs. $45.00
Over 200 lbs. $45.00
Animal Disposal:
The Chico Animal Shelter offers low cost disposal for your pet.
All animal disposal is handled by Koefran, located in Sacramento.
Standard Disposal:
Unless otherwise specified, animals are provided a group burial.
Cats, Dogs, Other $30.50
Livestock $122.00
Animal Cremation:
There are two types of cremation offered.
Group Cremation:
Several animals are cremated at the same time. Ashes are not returned.
0-15 lbs. $36.50
Over 15 lbs. $42.50
Private Cremation:
Ashes are returned in a cedar urn, which can be engraved for an additional fee.
0-2 lbs. $73.50
3-49 lbs. $128.50
50-99 lbs. $163.50
100 lbs. and over $248.50
Laser Urn Engraving:
First two Lines $25.00
Each Additional Line $10.00
Optional Pet Paw Print:
Paw Print and Easel Stand $69.00
Unless otherwise specified, animals are provided a group burial.
Cats, Dogs, Other $30.50
Livestock $122.00
Animal Cremation:
There are two types of cremation offered.
Group Cremation:
Several animals are cremated at the same time. Ashes are not returned.
0-15 lbs. $36.50
Over 15 lbs. $42.50
Private Cremation:
Ashes are returned in a cedar urn, which can be engraved for an additional fee.
0-2 lbs. $73.50
3-49 lbs. $128.50
50-99 lbs. $163.50
100 lbs. and over $248.50
Laser Urn Engraving:
First two Lines $25.00
Each Additional Line $10.00
Optional Pet Paw Print:
Paw Print and Easel Stand $69.00
Animal Intake & Outcome
Annual Reports
Monthly Reports 2026
| January 2026 | February 2026 | March 2026 | April 2026 |
| May 2026 | June 2026 | July 2026 | August 2026 |
| September 2026 | October 2026 | November 2026 | December 2026 |
Monthly Reports 2025
| January 2025 | February 2025 | March 2025 | April 2025 |
| May 2025 | June 2025 | July 2025 | August 2025 |
| September 2025 | October 2025 | November 2025 | December 2025 |
Monthly Reports 2024
| January 2024 | February 2024 | March 2024 | April 2024 |
| May 2024 | June 2024 | July 2024 | August 2024 |
| September 2024 | October 2024 | November 2024 | December 2024 |
Monthly Reports 2023
| January 2023 | February 2023 | March 2023 | April 2023 |
| May 2023 | June 2023 | July 2023 | August 2023 |
| September 2023 | October 2023 | November 2023 | December 2023 |
Monthly Reports 2022
| January 2022 | February 2022 | March 2022 | April 2022 |
| May 2022 | June 2022 | July 2022 | August 2022 |
| September 2022 | October 2022 | November 2022 | December 2022 |
Monthly Reports 2021
| January 2021 | February 2021 | March 2021 | April 2021 |
| May 2021 | June 2021 | July 2021 | August 2021 |
| September 2021 | October 2021 | November 2021 | December 2021 |
Our shelter is committed to saving every animal in our care who can be saved. We do not euthanize healthy or treatable pets even at the owner's request. We only euthanize a pet if:
- A veterinarian has assessed that there is no chance of recovering an acceptable quality of life, or
- It would be clearly inhumane or unsafe not to do so immediately, or
- In cases of irremediable canine aggression when (1) a veterinarian has eliminated medical treatment as a solution: (2) rehabilitation by a specialist in canine behavior has failed; and (3) staff and public safety cannot be reasonably assured, or other management protocols seriously compromise quality of life.
- We have a neonatal kitten program. Neonatal kittens have fragile immune systems and often arrive at the shelter as orphans and with compromised health. We make every effort to treat and care for kittens until they are eating on their own and healthy enough to go to a foster home, but some lives are still lost despite those efforts.
- We accept and provide medical care to old, injured and sick animals. Some do not make it, despite our best efforts.
- We provide a compassionate end-of-life service for members of our community who request euthanasia and could not otherwise afford the service at a veterinary clinic.
- We provide hospice care for animals and are responsible for end-of-life care for that population.
Rehoming a Pet
Making the Decision
Deciding to give up a pet that has been a part of your family can be a difficult and emotional experience for both you and your pet. Whatever your reason may be, you owe it to your pet to consider all your options and choose the one that is best for both of you. Below are some common reasons people consider re-homing their pets and some suggestions as to how you may be able to keep the animal in that situation.
- Moving - Often times pet owners give up too easily when looking for housing that will allow them to keep their pets. Be flexible but persistent, and refer to pet-friendly housing directories. Build a "pet résumé" with items such as medical records, training certificates, and reference letters to show your potential landlord you are a responsible owner with a well-behaved pet. Below are some links to pet friendly housing in Chico:
- Behavior Problems - Many behavior issues can be solved by training, either in the home or with professional classes. Research positive reinforcement training methods on the Internet or in a library. Shelter staff can also provide resources.
- Allergies - Consult a physician before assuming an allergic reaction is caused by your pet. If keeping the animal will not seriously risk a person's health, making small changes such as using a humidifier or keeping the pet out of the bedroom may help manage the symptoms. Many owners find the benefits of having a pet outweigh the inconveniences of allergies.
- Medical Issues - If your pet has an illness or injury and the cost of treatment is more than you can afford, first talk to your vet to see if there is an alternative treatment that is less expensive, or tests that can wait.
Before contacting the Chico Animal Shelter, consider some of the other options that may be available. Finding a new home won't happen overnight and it is very important to give yourself adequate time to find an appropriate placement. It may take weeks, or even months to re-home your pet. Re-homing your pet yourself is best because you know you pet better than anyone. You can screen for the best home and potentially stay in touch with the new owner. Below are suggestions on ways to find a home for the pet yourself:
- Where You Adopted the Pet - If your pet was adopted from a breeder or a rescue group, you may have signed a contract that requires you to return the animal if you can no longer keep it. Even if this is not the case, the person or organization you got the pet from may be able to help, or be willing to take the animal back.
- Rescue Groups - Rescue groups are private, volunteer organizations that often specialize in a specific breed, smaller dogs, specific types of pets, or do general pet rescue. Sometimes there is a waiting list to get your pet into a rescue, but often they have people already waiting to adopt a pet and may be able to match your pet to a new home right away.
- Your Veterinarian - Your veterinarian not only knows your pet but may also know of a client that has recently lost a pet or is looking to add another pet to their family.
- Friends or Family - A friend or family member may also be familiar with your pet, and may even be willing to care for your pet for a period of time if the circumstances for needing to rehome are just temporary.
- Temporary Foster Home - If the reason you have to give up your pet is short term, consider trying to find a temporary foster home.
- Euthanasia - Pets that have medical or behavior issues can be very difficult to place in a new home and older pets that have been with the same family most of their lives often have a hard time readjusting. In these cases, the most humane option may be to consult your veterinarian and discuss having the animal humanely put to sleep. These animals are less likely to kennel well in a shelter environment and with limited shelter resources, euthanasia may still be the end result. It is less stressful for the animal if you are there for support in the end.
Surrendering to the Shelter
The shelter should be used as your last resort, only when all other options have been exhausted. As of February 1, 2013 the City of Chico Animal Shelter does not accept surrendered cats. If you need to surrender your cat, please contact the Butte Human Society or Chico Cat Coalition.The City of Chico Animal Shelter accepts DOGS from owners living within Chico city limits. Please call to have your dog put on the waiting list and we will call you when there is space at the shelter. Please call as soon as you think you might have to surrender your pet, and don't wait until the last minute as there might not be a space available right away. Please bring all your pet's medical records at the time of surrender. There is no required surrender fee, however donations of any size are gratefully accepted.
