Animals: Domestic and Wild
Dogs, Cats, Chickens, Coyotes And More
Animal Control Services
The City of Santee contracts with San Diego Humane Society to provide animal services and assist residents with:
- Humane Law Enforcement
- Lost & Found
- Dog Licensing
- Lost & Found Animals
- Spay & Neuter Services
- Vaccination Clinics
- Microchipping
- Pet Adoptions
- Support for Low Income Pet Families
- Community Cats Feral Cat Assistance
- Project Wildlife/Wildlife Resources
And much more!
For more information on services, shelter locations and hours, visit sdhumane.org.
Animal Shelters
Santee residents may utilize any of the San Diego Humane Society shelter locations. However, Santee is primarily served at the El Cajon campus, and Santee's lost and found animals will be housed at the shelter in El Cajon.
A new animal shelter is being built by the County of San Diego in Santee. What does that mean for Santee residents? Learn more in our news & announcement section.
For information on shelter locations and hours, visit sdhumane.org/about-us/locations.
Dog Licensing
San Diego Humane Society has partnered with DocuPet to provide an enhanced pet licensing experience. Pet licenses can now be purchased and renewed online at sandiego.docupet.com. This new, easy-to-use online service provides a quick and easy process to license your pet. Each DocuPet tag serves as a pet’s official license and comes equipped with the HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, which relies on a dedicated full time dispatch staff and linked pet profiles to help get lost pets home quickly.
Visit sandiego.docupet.com to license your pet now or visit sdhumane.org/license for more information on pet licensing.
Lost or Found Pets
Visit SDHS during operating hours from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays). If you have a picture of your pet, please bring it with you. More resources can be found on the SDHS website.
Barking Dogs
Barking dogs (as well as noisy pet birds) can be frustrating and annoying. If talking to your neighbor in a civil manner does not resolve the situation, the San Diego Humane Society can respond to complaints of barking dogs and may be able to help. For expediency regarding barking dog complaints, you may fill out and submit this form.
Coyotes and Other Wild Animals
The San Diego Humane Society & California Department of Fish & Wildlife provide guidance on how to coexist with wildlife and may be able to help with managing problems posed by wild animals. The Humane Society also has services to help injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals through their Project Wildlife program. For more information visit projectwildlife.org.
Rattlesnakes
If you encounter a rattlesnake in an open space habitat area, keep your distance and leave it alone. If a rattlesnake enters your home, garage or yard and is an immediate threat to your family or pets, call 911. A San Diego Humane Officer may also be able to help with the removal of a rattlesnake that is posing an immediate threat by calling 619-299-7012 ext. 1.
Dead Animal Removal
To report a dead animal along a road or other public space, please submit a service request to the Public Services Division. This hotline is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Dog Parks
For more information on the City's dog parks and off-leash areas, please visit our Dog Parks page.
Chickens in Santee
For Chicken regulations in the City of Santee, contact the City's Planning & Building Department at 619-258-4100 ext. 167 for more information, or reference Santee Municipal Code Title 13, Chapter 13.10.030 regarding Residential Use Regulations.
Domestic Animals - how many are allowed in Santee?
A certain number of domestic animals (dogs and cats) are allowed based on the size of your property. Contact the City's Planning & Building Department at 619-258-4100 ext. 167 for more information, or reference Santee Municipal Code Title 13, Chapter 13.10.030 regarding Residential Use Regulations.
When is a Kennel License Required?
For more information, visit Santee's Permitting & Licensing Portal or reference Santee Municipal Code Title 6, Chapter 6.08 regarding shelters and kennels.