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1. When should I license my dog and where do I go to do it?

All dogs over four months of age must be licensed with the City of La Mesa. It is a fairly simple process that keeps you in compliance with the law. Just take your dog to any licensed veterinarian for a rabies shot. Take the proof of rabies vaccination to La Mesa City Hall to purchase your license. License prices vary by the length of time you wish to license your dog and whether the dog is spayed or neutered. Failure to comply with the law could result in a citation to appear in court.

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 have a stray cat in my neighborhood, what can I do?

The City of La Mesa offers a few options for removing stray cats that have become a problem. You can rent a humane trap from Animal Control for a daily fee. Once you have the cat, La Mesa Animal Control can pick it up for the City's stray cat pick up fee. All daily trap rental fees are waived if the stray cat pick up fee is paid.

The trapping of wild animals is regulated by State law. Before setting any trap(s) for wild animals citizens should consult the local office of the State Department of Fish & Game.

If any wild animals are inadvertently trapped, they may be released at or within a two mile radius of the location where they were trapped.

The Animal Control Officer is available to advise you on ways to address nuisance cat issues in and around your home or neighborhood which may eliminate the need for trapping. The Police Department encourages you to discuss these options with the Animal Control Officer before setting traps.”

Cats that are captured in traps must be treated humanely and delivered to the animal shelter or the La Mesa Animal Control Officer. The Animal Control Officer will provide you with specific information on where you may take cats that have been trapped.

5. I can't find my pet! Where do I look for it?

If you have lost your pet, you should report the animal to La Mesa Animal Control to see if it has been picked up. You should also 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

6. 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. La Mesa Animal Control can provide you with excellent advice and further tips for managing urban wildlife.

7. 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.

8. 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 La Mesa Animal Control immediately at 619.667.7536 or the La Mesa Police Department at 619.667.1400.

9. 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 and/or our Animal Control Officer.

10. 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 our Animal Control Officer or if after hours contact La Mesa Police Department at 619.667.1400.