COVID-19 Update

Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) is acting diligently to protect human and animal health during the COVID-19 crisis. Thank you in advance for your patience as we all work together through these challenging times. Please see below for the most recent updates to RCDAS services.

Activities that Can Be Conducted Remotely

 Citations - Contact 760-777-7050

Dog Licensing can be completed online

Lost Pets - If you are looking for a lost pet, please browse the lost and found pets section of the website. Be prepared with the animal ID number of any pets you think might be yours.

Pet Adoptions - Please see our animals available for adoption online. Be prepared with animal ID numbers for the pets you are interested in adopting.

Contact

Department of Animal Services
951-358-7387
shelterinfo@rivco.org

Local Resources

The City of La Quinta contracts with the Coachella Valley Animal Campus for shelter services. If you have lost your pet, are looking to adopt a pet, or want information on the spay/neuter voucher program, contact them at (760) 343-3644.

A number of local resource agencies are available to answer your wild and domesticated animal questions.

Animal Control encourages its residents and visitors to enjoy the rewards of responsible pet ownership. Pet ownership includes responsibility to one’s own pet as well as being considerate to one’s neighbors and community.

The City of La Quinta permits no more than four dogs four months of age or older at any single premises. Dogs must have a City of La Quinta Animal License and be on leash when in public, unless you are in an area where dogs are legally permitted off-leash. Local dog parks are great off-leash exercise options for your dogs.

Coyote Safety - Fish and Wildlife Information

Disaster Preparation Resources

• Preparing Your Pets Makes Sense
• Humane Society of America Disaster Center
• ASPCA Disaster Preparedness
• Red Cross – Pets and Disaster

Contact

Coachella Valley Animal Campus
(760) 343-3644

The City of La Quinta contracts with Riverside County Animal Control for animal calls involving injured, venomous or vicious animals.

CA Laws Benefiting Animals

Three California laws took effect January 1, 2007 that benefit animals:

1. Dogs cannot be tethered to a stationary object for more than three hours during a 24-hour period. If tethered, the dog still must have a good range of motion.
2. Pets cannot be left in vehicles in a dangerous situation whether from the heat or the cold. Animal control officers are now permitted to break into a vehicle to rescue at-risk animals after trying to locate the owner. Dogs tied in the back of pickups in extreme hot or cold weather are also covered under the new law.
3. Felony-level jail time now applies for animal fighting convictions.