Animal Control

The Animal Control Section of the San Leandro Police Department handles concerns regarding the problem animals encountered by residents within the City of San Leandro. Generally, the City can respond to complaints regarding problem domestic animals.

In the past, the City responded to complaints about wild animals and provided citizens with traps for animal capture. Within the last several years, the state Department of Fish and Game has issued a directive informing local public safety agencies that they are no longer to assist residents in the trapping and relocation of wild animals. Instead, agencies have been directed to advise residents of alternative ways of handling problem wild animals, such as not leaving food out in the open around residences, particularly after dusk. Residents who choose to trap nuisance-causing wild animals on their own can do so by following the requirements set forth in the Department of Fish and Game's Code and Regulations.

Caution Advised

Some residents report occasional problems with stray animals harming domesticated pets. To avoid these situations, the San Leandro police department advises residents to bring pets indoors at night if at all possible (or leave a light on when a pet must be left outdoors at night) and to remove any food from outdoor areas around the home that might attract stray or wild animals. Also, residents should use caution if they encounter any unfamiliar animal acting aggressively.

Reporting Stray Animals

San Leandro currently has a dangerous dog ordinance as part of its Municipal Code under section 4-11-6. To report stray dogs or wild animals, residents should call the Police Department's non-emergency line at 510-577-2740.

San Leandro Animal Shelter Services Now in Oakland at East Bay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)

In January 2021, the City moved its animal shelter services from Fremont to the East Bay SPCA in Oakland to better serve San Leandro residents. The East Bay SPCA will provide shelter services for strays or lost dogs found in San Leandro without appropriate identification at their Oakland Shelter located at 8323 Baldwin Street in Oakland.

To help animal control officers return lost pets more easily and minimize the chances pet owners will need to travel to Oakland to retrieve pets, residents are reminded that all dogs must be licensed and wear proper tags. Licenses may be obtained from the Finance Department Cashier station on the first floor of San Leandro City Hall or by mailing a copy of your dog(s) rabies certificate(s) and appropriate payment to:
City of San Leandro
Attention: Dog Licenses
835 E 14th Street
San Leandro, CA 94577. 

Additional information is available by calling 510-577-2740.

If Your Dog Gets Loose

If your dog gets loose, be sure to call the Police Department's Animal Control Office at 510-577-2740 with a description as soon as possible. Residents may also visit the East Bay SPCA. The East Bay SPCA is located at 8323 Baldwin Street in Oakland. The phone number is 510-569-0702. Hours are currently Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm by appointment only.

Disaster Planning for Pets

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared. The San Leandro Police Department recommends that pet owners take a moment and read about disaster preparedness on the ASPCA website for more information.