Animal Control Information
The city of Los Altos contracts with the city of Palo Alto for animal services and control. Pets in Need has taken over operations of the Palo Alto Animal Shelter, while the city of Palo Alto employs Animal Control Officers to respond to field requests. Below are highlights which outline the handling of animals and response of Pets in Need to the Los Altos community, including regular business hours and contact information.
Animal Control
24-hour Dispatch: (650) 329-2413
Email: AnimalControl@cityofpaloalto.org
Services Provided by Animal Control Officers
- Between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily, respond to reports of stray animals (cats must be confined)
- Sick, injured, or dead animals (including wildlife)
- Aggressive animals and animal bites
- Animal cruelty or neglect and animals in distress
- Disposal of dead animals, and other animal related municipal code violations
- To report a dog(s) in hot a car, leash law complaint, or after hours complaint, contact the Los Altos Police Department at (650) 947-2770
- Animal Control does not respond to dead deer on private property, instead contact a vendor such as San Jose Tallow (for a fee) at (650) 452-8777
Pets in Need
3281 E. Bayshore Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Phone: (650) 496-5971
Email: info@petsinneed.org
Regular Business Hours
Monday - Friday: noon - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Services Provided by Pets in Need
- Animal Adoptions
- Vaccine Clinic
- Spay/Neuter Clinic
- Pet Lost & Found
- Veterinary care for injured stray dogs and cats
- Stray animal sheltering. Residents can bring confined, stray dogs and cats to Animal Services during regular hours
- Outreach and volunteer opportunities
Additional Wildlife Animal Resources
Vector Control of Santa Clara County: Vector Control is available to assist residents with animal nuisances such as skunks, rats, opossums, raccoons, and bats. Vector Control can be reached at (800) 675-1155, weekdays only. Also available is a Vector Control - Online Service Request. Note: It is illegal to trap and relocate wildlife without a permit in California.
Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley: Found a wild animal? We ask that anyone who finds wildlife requiring medical care Monday-Friday call us at (408) 929-9453. Hours and staff are limited during COVID-19.
