The unit is responsible for:

• the investigation of all animal incidents occurring in the City
• reports of animal bites
• cruelty to animals
• picking up stray animals
• all other animal related violations of the Merced Municipal Code.
• enforcing City animal licensing provisions.

In order to obtain a license for your dog, you will need a current rabies certificate for each dog that you want to license. Rabies vaccinations are normally valid for one or three years, depending on which vaccination you choose from your animal care service provider. You may choose a one, two, or three year license; however, the duration of your dog license may not exceed the expiration date of your current rabies certificate.

License fees will vary depending on the duration and type of the license that you choose and/or require. Discounts apply for senior citizens and dogs that are spayed or neutered. Proof of age of the owner or proof of spay/neuter is required to receive discounted pricing.

Cats do not need a license.

To obtain a NEW dog license, please complete the "Dog License Application" listed below and mail it to the Merced Police Department, 611 W. 22nd Street, Merced, CA 95340. Payments may be made by check or money order and must be accompanied by a completed application and a verified rabies certificate.

Emergency Number 9-1-1
Non-Emergency Number (209) 385-4720

Update to Cat Programming at Merced County Sheriff's Animal Services

Beginning Monday, February 7, 2022, the Merced County Sheriff's Animal Services will be cleared from the Panleukopenia quarantine. We are asking that citizens within Merced County who have found or plan on trapping a cat to call the shelter at 209-385-7436 (option 2) prior to trapping or bringing a cat into the shelter.

Eligible cats will be scheduled for sterilization/vaccination services and may be returned to the location found, placed up for adoption, or transferred to a rescue partner. Cats not eligible for the program will remain at the shelter for adoption or rescue placement. Contact your local dispatch center to be connected with an animal control officer if the cat is already trapped and/or for additional information on resolving any cat-related nuisances.

Shelter staff can also provide resources on reuniting found pets with their families, rehoming found pets with an individual, or contacting a local rescue organization. We would like to thank our community and rescue partners for your support throughout this difficult time. If you have any additional questions, please contact shelter staff at 209-385-7436 (option 2) for further direction.

Here is the Merced County Sheriff's Office Animal Control website.