Stockton Animal
Services Overview
Council Legislation/Environmental Committee
July 27, 2026
Purpose and Goals
Inspire and educate our community to embrace
responsible pet ownership and to join us in
safeguarding the rights of animals.
Enforce and champion animal protection laws to
prevent inhumane treatment of animals and ensure
that all animals are treated with dignity and respect.
Collaborate with other animal agencies, animal lovers,
and progressive organizations to create forward-
thinking practices to improve the quality of life of all companion animals.
Shelter
Intake and
Outcomes
2025
Total intake: 8,149 animals
Adoptions: 1,954
Transferred to rescue
partners: 2,489
Returned to owners: 547
Annual statistics are publicly
posted for transparency.
Field Services Duties
Operation of the City’s
animal shelter, including
intake, housing, medical
care, and outcomes
Field response to animal
related calls for service,
including stray, injured,
aggressive, and
abandoned animals
Investigation and
enforcement of animal
cruelty, neglect,
hoarding, and dangerous
animal cases
Rabies exposure
response and legally
mandated bite
quarantines
Emergency response for
animal related incidents
and disasters
Enforcement of
municipal animal
ordinances and
applicable California
statutes
Call Prioritization Process
*Calls are prioritized based on public safety, animal welfare, and available staffing-not simply in the order they are received. Priority levels may change as additional information is received or circumstances evolve.
PRIORITY 4
As Resources Allow
PRIORITY 3
Within 24 Hours
PRIORITY 2
Same-Day Response
PRIORITY 1
Immediate Response
Deceased Animal (No Traffic
Hazard)Follow-Up InvestigationsStray Animal at LargePerson Bitten by an Animal Barking/Noisy AnimalsRoaming Pack of DogsDangerous/Vicious Animal Sanitation ComplaintsConfined Stray AnimalAggressive Pack of Dogs Bees SwarmingAssist Stockton PoliceSick or Injured Animal Deceased Animal Creating a
Traffic Hazard
Non-Emergency Animal
CrueltyEmergency Animal Cruelty
Animal Fighting
Animal
Services
Municipal
Codes
6.04.120- Dogs as Large
• Owned dogs must always remain under the
control of their owners
• Dogs in public must be securely restrained
by a leash held by a competent person
• Owners may not allow dogs to trespass
onto private property
6.04.130- Animal at Large
• Applies to all animals, excluding cats
• Prohibits animals from roaming
uncontrolled
• Provides enforcement authority
• Supports the ability to impound an animal
when appropriate
Animal
Services
Municipal
Codes
• 6.04.090-6.04.110
• Licensing Requirements
• Owned dogs must be
licensed
• Rabies vaccination is
required
• Microchip required for
licensing
• License tags must remain
with the dog
Impound
Authority
Dogs running
at large may
be impounded
Protects
public safety
Protects the
animal
Facilitates
owner
accountability
Progressive Enforcement
Education is the preferred first approach
Voluntary compliance promotes long-term success
Warnings may be issued when appropriate
Citations are used as an enforcement and educational tool when violations occur Common
Violations
Encountered
for Animal
Services
Officers
Applicable Stockton
Municipal CodeSituation
§ 6.04.120Dog loose in
neighborhood
§ 6.04.120Dog off leash in a park
§ 6.04.120Dog repeatedly entering
neighbors' yards
§ 6.04.110Dog without a current
license
§ 6.04.100
Dog without rabies
vaccination required for
licensing
§ 6.04.130
Animal roaming at large
(non-dog not including
cats)
Beyond EnforcementInvesting in prevention
Supporting Responsible Pet Ownership
Through Access to Care
LOW-COST/FREE
VACCINATIONS AND
MICROCHIPPING
PET FOOD
ASSISTANCE
THROUGH PET
PANTRY PROGRAM
COMMUNITY CAT
TRAP-NEUTER-
RETURN (TNR)
VETERINARY
PARTNERSHIPS AND
NONPROFIT
COLLABORATIONS
AFFORDABLE SPAY
AND NEUTER
SERVICES
Investing in prevention to keep pets healthy, families
together, and animals out of the shelter
City of Stockton Pet Wellness and
Adoption Center
• Expands access to affordable
veterinary care for Stockton residents
• Serves as the hub for community spay
and neuter initiatives
• Strengthens partnerships with
veterinary and nonprofit organizations
• Address pet overpopulation through
proactive prevention
• Keeps pets healthy, in their homes, and
out of the shelter
SF SPCAHard Luck Animal Welfare AdvocatesAnimal Balance
High-Volume, High-Quality Community Spay and Neuter ProgramProvides free or low-cost spay and neuter services to Stockton residentsDelivers high-volume, high-quality veterinary care through trusted partnershipsRemoves barriers to veterinary careIncludes vaccinations and microchipping during appointmentsLong-term reduces shelter intake through proactive population management Strategic District Prioritization for Spay and Neuter Clinics Data-driven approach to clinic placement
Focus on districts with the highest shelter intake
Prioritize areas with the greatest call volume
Target resources where they will have the greatest impact Expand to remaining districts as resources allow
Community Outreach & Demand for Spay/Neuter ClinicsClinics promoted through social media and printed flyers. Flyers displayed at the Stockton Animal Shelter Animal Services Officers conduct direct community outreach Appointments fill rapidly after registration opensHundreds of pet owners remain on waitlists Growing demand highlights the need for affordable veterinary care Key Takeaways
PROVIDES ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SAFETY AND ANIMAL WELFARE SERVICES UNDER HIGH DEMAND
MANAGES RISING INTAKE AND COMPLEX OPERATIONS WITH LIMITED STAFFING
EXPANDS LIFESAVING OUTCOMES THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS AND PREVENTION FOCUSED PROGRAMS
BALANCES ENFORCEMENT WITH COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY SUPPORT
STOCKTON ANIMAL SERVICES REMAINS COMMITTED TO PROFESSIONAL, TRANSPARENT, AND HUMANE SERVICE Thank you