FAQs • La Mesa • CivicEngage

I can't find my pet! Where do I look for it?: If you have lost your pet, you should check with the El Cajon Animal Shelter as all animals found in La Mesa are taken there. The Shelter is located at: 125 N. Marshall Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: 619.441.1580

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Animal Services

1. When should I license my dog and where do I go to do it?: The City of La Mesa is excited to announce that we have partnered with the San Diego Humane Society for all animal services. This new partnership was approved by the La Mesa City Council during the meeting on January 11, 2022. Please visit the San Diego Humane Society's website to purchase a dog license.

2. Does my dog need to be on a leash when we go for a walk?: Yes! The City of La Mesa does enforce a leash law LMMC 8.04.130. Dogs must be on leash anytime they leave your property for a walk. This leash law includes all parks in the City of La Mesa. Your dog may be off leash only if he or she is in the enclosed Dog Park area of Harry Griffen Park.

3. My neighbor never picks up after his dog, isn't he supposed to remove the dog's leavings?: Yes he is. Anytime you walk your dog you are responsible for picking up after your dog or risk a citation LMMC 8.04.320. Citizens are also required to clean up after their pets on their property as well and not let manure accumulate LMMC 8.04.150.

4. I can't find my pet! Where do I look for it?: If you have lost your pet, you should check with the El Cajon Animal Shelter as all animals found in La Mesa are taken there. The Shelter is located at: 125 N. Marshall Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: 619.441.1580

5. I saw an opossum in my yard. Is this normal?: The City of La Mesa is home to an array of native wild animals. Skunks, foxes, opossums, raccoons, ducks, coyotes and bats all call La Mesa home. You may discover that wildlife has become a frequent visitor to your home. Native animals will enter a yard for three main reasons; food, water and shelter. By eliminating these enticements you can make your yard less appealing to the animals, preventing their late night visits. Close all openings under your home, deck and out buildings. Make sure all trash is placed in proper receptacles with a tight lid. Keep small pets indoors at night and bring in any pet food. Keep ripe fruit picked from the tree and raked up from the ground.

6. Is it illegal to leave my pet in my car when I go shopping?: Per the California Penal Code 597.7 it is illegal to leave an animal in a car if by doing so you endanger the health or well-being of the animal. Do not leave an animal in your car during hot or warm weather. Other factors to consider are if the car is in the sun and if the windows are rolled up not allowing ventilation. Your best course is to leave your pet at home when you run errands.

7. What is animal cruelty?: Animal cruelty encompasses a wide range of offenses against animals. Neglect, abuse, animal hoarding and animal fighting can all be considered different forms of cruelty. Animals should always be provided with food, water and shelter. Pet owners are required to provide care to their animals and not let medical conditions go untended. Animals should not be harmed physically by hitting, kicking or any other malicious act. If you notice any signs of animal cruelty or suspect it is occurring, call the La Mesa Police Department at 619.667.1400.

8. How many dogs are allowable to live in one household?: Five dogs are permitted per dwelling unit. Violations of this are handled through the Code Compliance Officer at 619.667.1189.

9. What is a vicious dog and what is the process for handling a vicious dog?: A vicious dog is considered to be aggressive in nature by any of the following or any combination of charging, growling, and biting. If you witness a dog exhibiting any of the following characteristics, contact the San Diego Humane Society at 619.299.7012.