PALMDALE – Officers from the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) will be conducting field licensing enforcement in the city of Palmdale beginning Wednesday, April 6, to ensure that residents’ dogs and cats are in compliance with mandatory licensing requirements.
“The city of Palmdale contracts with the County of Los Angeles for animal care and control services,” said Community Safety Supervisor Kelly Long. “As part of this contract, uniformed officers from the DACC will be at work in our city, making sure dogs and cats are licensed as required by law. Both state law and the municipal code require that dogs over the age of four months be licensed and have a current rabies vaccination. The County of Los Angeles officers will be canvassing the city of Palmdale to remind pet owners of these requirements and to facilitate the licensing of unregistered dogs.”
Additionally, California law requires that all dogs over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. As of Jan. 1, 2014, puppies may be vaccinated at three months but are not required to be vaccinated until four months of age. Securing a dog or cat license is essential to assisting animal control agencies if a pet becomes lost.
“We ask that you cooperate with these officers as they are carrying out their legally assigned duties to ensure that dogs are licensed as required by law,” said Long. “If you are not at home when an officer from the DACC visits your home, he or she will leave a call back notice. If you do not have a dog, of course you do not have to purchase a license. If your pet already has a current license, you have the option of renewing your license through the officer who visits your house. If your pet is not licensed, you are required by the State of California to obtain one.”
Residents may obtain a new license by printing the application online at www.animalcare.lacounty.gov and mailing it to Enforcement Services (Licensing) Bureau, 12440 East Imperial Highway, 6th Floor, Norwalk, CA 90650, or by visiting the Lancaster Animal Care Center, located at 5210 West Avenue I in Lancaster.
Residents may also renew online if their pet’s license is not delinquent at the DACC website, www.animalcare.lacounty.gov.
Pet owners who are not in compliance with the law will be subject to license fees, a delinquency charge equivalent to the license fee, and a $40 field enforcement fee.
“We’re encouraging residents to make sure they have their pets licensed before an animal care office comes to their door,” said Long. “This will ensure that they are not subject to the $40 field enforcement fee and possible delinquency charges.”
“One reason the city of Palmdale is such an attractive and desirable community is because our community supports the principles of responsible pet ownership, which includes enforcement of the leash law to prevent animals from running at large,” noted Long. “Your cooperation with the DACC officers will assist us in maintaining the quality of life we enjoy.”
The DACC also offers low-cost vaccination/microchips clinics (microchips are now $15, which includes an AVID registration) and low-cost assistance (for individuals who qualify) for spay and neuter surgeries. For more information about these services, visit www.animalcare.lacounty.gov or stop by the Lancaster Animal Care Center.
“If you have any questions you may call the DACC at 562-685-2019. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. through 5 p.m.,” added Long.
City of Palmdale – Pet license PSA
[Information via news release from the city of Palmdale.]
–
Lee Dory says
Round up the murderous illegals in this country first, worry about pets next. I rather have unlicensed pets then illegals.
Lee Dory says
“than’ typo
Loam says
Wait… they don’t have enough resources to enforce immigration law, but they are going door-to-door to check pet licenses???
James says
I agree thats [removed]
Marie says
This is HYSTERICAL that they are going to be doing this when there are ongoing animal issues in this Valley. I have called them for a serious issue on October 10, 2015. They will have yet to send an officer out to this residence, claiming they do not have enough officers to handle calls. They gave me the lame excuse that they are short handed. I am sorry but a neighbor hoarding 10 unlicensed dogs in a zone that only allows two in my opinion is important. Instead they want to go around trying to get money with this BS article. Animal control out here is a big fat joke!!!!!!
2 cents mcgee says
You are a big fat joke who cares about unlicensed dogs there are bigger issues in this community. We need to crack down on all these fraudsters that just sit at home and collect government money. Black , brown , yellow and white you know who you are. Cut out all this section 8 , ebt and medi-cal funding and better yet funnel it back into our schools and community . This whole area needs reform and it’s about damn time.
Rosie says
Hey 2 cents mcgee, how about we have parents pay for the schools? Then there would be plenty of money for animal control to hire officers to come and handle 10 unlicensed dogs in a residence zone for 2 dogs? Have you ever tried to live next door to a house with a bunch of dogs? If Marie knows there’s at least 10 unlicensed dogs next door, then they are probably outside barking all day and all night. Why don’t you watch to your calling a big fat joke?
SMHX2 says
Rosie:
People that don’t have kids like myself like to pay taxes that go towards schools because I don’t want our future adults to be a bunch of idiots. Remember they are our future workforce and to have only parents pay for them is ludicrous. Did you mind it when growing up? Probably not, people love to receive services but then bitch when it is their turn to give back. I also don’t mind paying for parks if at least a small percentage of the kids use it to play sports, this will keep them less obese and with less medical conditions in the future. Think before you post, animals can’t be compared to kids!