Residents / Pets and Wildlife

Pets and Wildlife

Albino Deer Albino Deer in Monterey

This pet and local wildlife page brings together all types of information to help pet owners, community members, and visitors, be aware of services available for domesticated animals and to understand more about local wildlife. Whether it's learning more about services offered by the SPCA, what to do if you've found or lost a pet, or how your kids can learn more about nature and wildlife through summer camps, this page will link you to what you want to know.

About Dog LicensesDog License Application
If you've lost your dog, call Police Dispatch at 646-3914.
If after hours or on weekends, call 646-3830.
Directions to the Monterey Animal Kennel

spcaThe SPCA of Monterey County is located at 1002 Highway 68 (across from Laguna Seca). For more information, visit spcamc.org or call (831) 373-2631.

Services Provided:
  • Microchip
  • Rabies vaccinations (Required)
  • Licenses (Required)

Rabies vaccinations protect you and your pet! Microchips and license tags provide added security when a pet is lost or stolen. For more info, call the SPCA: 373-2631 ext. 224.

While enjoying the outdoors with your dog, you can do your part to keep Monterey safe and clean for all. Know and follow the City’s dog safety laws:

  • Dogs are prohibited in all parks with the exception of El Estero, Veteran’s Memorial, the Dog Park, along the Coastal Trail and on beaches east of Wharf II.
  • When in public areas, all dogs must be on a leash that cannot exceed six feet in length.
  • Dog owners are required to pick up their dog's droppings. City ordinance prohibits anyone who owns or has custody of a dog to allow it to deposit excrement on public or private property without permission of the property owner. The person in charge of the dog will be required to clean up after it. Violation of the ordinance is considered an infraction and carries a fine of up to $100 for the first offense, up to $200 for the second and up to $500 for the third.
  • Dog licenses are required in the City. For information, call the Revenue Office at 646-3944 or email. Fines range up to $100. For questions, call Police Dispatch at 646-3914.

Refer to Article 2 of the Monterey City Code CHAPTER 6 - Animals and Fowl and Article 1, Section 23-8 of CHAPTER 23 - Parks and Lakes

  • Seal all openings to attics and basements. Most problems with local wildlife, including raccoons and opossums, happen because animals are looking for nesting sites during their baby season which runs from March thru August.
  • Wildlife young are often left alone so a parent can feed. A baby animal, that appears to be abandoned probably is waiting for an adult to return.
  • The City and SPCA do not trap healthy wildlife. However, either will pick up injured or sick animals.

For more info call the Monterey Police Dispatch at 646-3914 or the SPCA at 373-2632 ext. 227.