Humane Law & Animal Protection
Our Humane Law Enforcement team is committed to ensuring animals are treated with compassion and respect, while also supporting the people who care for them.
Report an Animal Complaint or Concern:
Report an Emergency:
If you live in San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction, report an emergency by calling 619-299-7012 (press 1).
For animal-related emergencies outside of our jurisdiction, contact the corresponding animal control provider. Find jurisdiction by zip code.
- Chula Vista and Lemon Grove:
Chula Vista Animal Care and Control - 619-476-2476 - Coronado:
Coronado Police Department - 619-522-7350 - National City:
National City Police Department - 619-336-4411. - Unincorporated areas of San Diego County:
San Diego Department of Animal Services - 619-236-2341
San Diego Humane Society handles animal complaints for the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista.
If you are a resident outside these cities and have a concern about a loud animal, see a loose or vicious animal, or find an injured animal, refer to our Jurisdiction Chart to determine which agency to call.
Our Humane Law Enforcement Team can help with:
- Injured Animals
- Animal cruelty
- Dog bites
- Barking dog and animal noise complaints
- Stray pets
- Dangerous animals
- Off-leash dogs
Rattlesnake response: Our Humane Field Services Team responds to rattlesnake calls if the snake is causing imminent danger to humans or domestic animals, such as if the snake is inside a residence or business, or is blocking an entrance or exit.
If you found injured wildlife, refer to our Wildlife Help Hub
About San Diego Humane Society's Humane Law Enforcement
San Diego Humane Society has a long history of protecting animals — beginning in 1880, when our officers issued the first fine for animal cruelty to “Mr. Collins’ boy for overriding a colt.” Since then, our Humane Law Enforcement team has remained committed to ensuring animals are treated with compassion and respect, while also supporting the people who care for them.
Today, our officers are in the field seven days a week, responding to reports of suspected cruelty and neglect. Appointed by the State of California, they are authorized under Corporations Code 14502 to enforce animal protection laws and have the powers of peace officers during investigations. Each officer receives extensive training in humane law, animal care and ongoing professional development to serve their communities with skill and compassion.
In addition, our Field Team supports this vital work by responding to urgent, non-enforcement calls — such as helping sick or injured animals in need of immediate care.
Emergency Response Team
A group of highly-trained staff and volunteers dedicated to assisting animals and people during disasters by safely evacuating horses, farm animals, and household pets.
Humane Animal Law Enforcement Academy
Become a licenced Humane Officer. The Academy provides training in California Animal laws and animal care.
Leash Laws
Keeping dogs on leash when in public not only protects other animals and people, but it keeps them safe as well. Every city in San Diego County, as well as the unincorporated County, have leash laws. It is illegal to walk your dog off leash unless you are in a designated off-leash area.
The law specifies that:
- Dogs are required to be restrained at all times.
- Away from home: a dog must be on leash unless in a designated off-leash area, like a beach or park.
Even if you are confident your dog will stay by your side without a leash, they could still make other dogs and people uncomfortable — and put your dog in danger. Leash laws are in place to ensure the safety of both dogs and the people who love them.
If you have your dog off-leash in an area that is not designated for off-leash activity, you may be issued a citation. Please report off-leash violations to San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement Department by calling 619-299-7012 ext. 1 or emailing [email protected].
City of San Diego Residents:
To report leash law violations at City of San Diego parks and beaches, please use the City’s Get it Done app for Park Ranger staff to follow up.
To report an active animal emergency, please call San Diego Humane Society’s dispatch at 619-299-7012, press 1.