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Animal Services
Updates
The Shelter is accepting stray, injured or sick animals through the front desk or Animal Control Officers. If the stray is exhibiting illness, please notify staff prior to bringing into the lobby area.
Owner surrenders require an appointment and will be placed on a waiting list, please always try to rehome your pet prior to surrendering to the animal shelter.
Now accepting appointments for our Pilot Community Cat Spay, Neuter and Release Program!
Please call for more information at (760) 947-1700.
Animal Shelter
Shelter staff provide care for lost pets, owner surrenders and stray animals entering into the facility. Staff Works diligently to find the owners of these pets, as well as finding new families for strays and owner surrenders. Animals entering the facility may be sick, injured, or require additional care and treatment including humane euthanasia when necessary.
To view adoption fee's please view the brochure:
Animal Services Brochure
Looking for a pet?
Lost your pet? Looking for your next furry family member? Take a moment to check out the photos online!
Click the links below:
Adoptable Pets
Lost & Stray Pets
Found your pet or think a pet might be yours on our website? Please call us and come in right away with veterinary records and photos to claim your pet.
If you see a pet you want to know more about, please feel free to contact Hesperia Animal Shelter (760)947-1700.
Goal
The goal of the Department is to provide for the humane care of found and injured or abused animals, the protection of the citizenry from stray and/or aggressive animals and the education of proper and responsible pet ownership.
Mission
The mission of Animal Services is to balance the health, safety and welfare needs of the people and the animals within the City of Hesperia.
Adop
tion Cost:
Dogs $80 - 2 Months old and up.
Cats $50 - 2 Months old and up
***$40.00 Spay and Neuter Deposit for all animals leaving that are not altered at time of adoption..
Prices include first set of shots (dependent on species), rabies, microchip, registration, spay or neuter, leash or cardboard carrier box, one veterinarian check, one bag of pet foot, one professional grooming, and free three (3) month pet license for dogs.
Click to view our pets on 24PetConnect: Viewable found, lost and available pets.
Take a trip to Hesperia Animal Shelter for a chance to meet and adopt your new best friend.
Is Pet Licensing required?
Yes, Hesperia Municipal Code 6.04.010 requires all dogs over four months must have and wear a current and valid license tag issued by the City of Hesperia. Each dog shall have a current rabies vaccination validated by a rabies certificate issued by the veterinarian who performed the vaccination as a requisite to licensing.
A guard dog within the City, must have a city dog license and the license tag must be securely fixed to the dog’s collar regardless of where the owner resides and whether a license has been obtained for that jurisdiction. (Hesperia Municipal Code 6.04.050) Although not required by law, we recommend that you license your cat also. Having a license tag will ensure that your cat will be returned home if it is impounded by Animal Services.
Cat licensing is not required by law; however, it is strongly recommended. Having a license tab will ensure that your cat will be returned to you, if the cat is out roaming, picked up by a concerned resident or Animal Control. A license and microchip give your cat the best chances of coming home, in case they manage to get out.
To obtain a pet license, you must have:
- A current Rabies vaccine
- Complete the dog license application , mail in the form and correlating fee's to Hesperia Animal Services. Do not leave spaces, or attach expired documents or the license will be rejected upon review. You must attach the required certificates to this form to receive a license.
- License renewal is yearly.
License Fees
| License Type | One Year | Two Years | Three Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unaltered Dog | $80 | $140 | $200 |
| Altered Dog | $15 | $26 | $35 |
| Senior Citizen Unaltered Dog | $80 | $140 | $200 |
| Senior Citizen Altered Dog | $10 | $16 | $22 |
| Cat License (Optional) | $5 | $7 | $11 |
| Guard Dog $65/year + Licensing Fee |
Additional Fees
- Replacement Tag: $4.00
- Penalty for failure to license dog - Altered: $12; Unaltered: $30
**Proof of valid Rabies required to obtain a license. Discounted price for up to three (3) years for license available. You must provide proof of sterility and rabies at time of licensing.
Want to license your pet online?
Skip the lines and waiting and utilize the ease of online pet licensing! Be prepared with identification, sterility documentation and proof of a valid rabies vaccination. Failure to upload the correct supporting documentation can lead to delays in processing the per license and will require you to send or come in and present the correct documentation at the Hesperia Animal Shelter. Save yourself the time and effort and be sure to upload the correct correlating documentation. Click the icon below to take you to the online pet licensing portal.
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onate to the Animal Shelter!
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Items Needed List:
- Kitten & Puppy formula
- Kitten & Puppy bottles
- Heating pads
- Cat & Dog wet food
- Kitten & Puppy wet food
- Newspapers
- Clumping &Pellet litter
- Cat & Dog beds
- Blankets (various sizes)
- Towels
- Treats
- Toys
- Plastic pet carriers.
A Helping Hand
Hesperia Animal Shelter is always in need of assistance caring for the numerous underage, ill, pregnant and injured animals that come into our facility. Evaluations are conducted on the animals prior to seeking a foster parent and an assessment of the animal is conducted by the Shelter staff to give these pets their best chance at improvement. In addition, there are times we may need a temporary placement for a pet waiting on a rescue, until they are able to be pick up.
Feel free to come into the shelter and express your interest in becoming a foster parent, you can specify species, age restrictions and limitations. Fill out the Foster application while you are here and give us the best means to reach you. Keep your eye on our Facebook and Instagram page, as animals come in daily and we frequently will post the need for a foster on these locations.
If you are interested in helping out, we need you! A loving home for those that need it the most.
Join Our Team of Dedicated Volunteers!
At the Hesperia Animal Shelter, volunteers play a vital role in helping us provide the best care for our animals. Whether you're passionate about animal enrichment—like dog walking, cat cuddling, or simply spending quality time with our furry friends—or prefer behind-the-scenes support such as folding laundry, washing dishes, or assisting at public events, there's a place for you here.
IIf you're 18 years of age or older and interested in making a difference, we invite you to complete the City of Hesperia Volunteer Application.
As part of the process, you may be invited for an interview to discuss your interests and motivations for volunteering . Human Resources will guide you through the next steps, which include a confidential background check, Department of Justice Live Scan fingerprinting, and a physical exam with drug and alcohol screening, conducted by the City's designated medical provider.
After successfully completing these requirements, you'll attend a brief orientation, finalize your volunteer paperwork, and officially join our team!
For more information about becoming a valued City of Hesperia Volunteer, please contact Human Resources at 760-947-1201.
Please be careful. If you find a litter, their mother may be near and may be very protective of her babies.
Questions to consider:
- Are they hidden in a safe location? Out of danger and out of the elements?
- Do they appear healthy? Sickly? Injured? Malnourished?
- Have you seen their mom around?
Tips on What to do if You Find Kittens
If you find kittens, your first thought might be to rescue them, but that may not be the best course of action for healthy kittens. Typically, when a litter of kittens are left alone the mother cat isn't far from them. Mother cat could be out hunting or might even be scared to return to her kittens because she sees humans.
If the kittens are in a safe location, and appear healthy, likelihood is that their mother is around and hunting for food. Observe the kittens from a distance, as mom may not return if people are near. If the mother cat doesn't return within a two hour window, collect the kittens and bring to the animal shelter in your jurisdiction.
Kittens and Puppies
For both kittens and puppies, their best chance at survival is with their mother. Their mother teaches them life skills: how to defend themselves, hunting, feeds them and provides immunity for viruses and diseases. If possible, it is always preferable to keep the babies with their mothers. If it is determined they need to go the the animal shelter, it is preferred to bring the mother with the litter.
If you notice the kittens or puppies are ill or wounded, please carefully collect them in a box with blankets and bring into animal shelter within your jurisdiction. If you do not feel comfortable collecting them, please contact animal control. Staff will evaluate the animals and determine the best means to assist them.
The Hesperia Animal Shelter will partner with the community to find needed fosters for underage kittens and puppies. If you are interested in becoming a foster, please look at the foster section or come into the shelter to fill out and application. If you are interested in volunteering, please find the application in the volunteer section.
According to the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs up to 30% of returning soldiers suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The VA acknowledges that owning a pet can reduce stress, depression, anxiety and aid in mood lifting making pets a great option for everyone, especially soldiers.
Pets & Vets benefits veterans by waiving adoption fees for two animals per year adopted from the City of Hesperia Animal Shelter and off site events. Adoptions include a free veterinarian check-up, grooming, microchip, a bag of Hill's Science Diet pet food, first vaccinations and a free three month license for Hesperia residents (for dogs). All unaltered animals being adopted will require a mandatory spay & neuter deposit upon adoption. This deposit will be refund upon the sterility of the adopted pet.
All veterans are able to take benefit in the Pets & Vets program, as a small token of the City of Hesperia's gratitude to their dedication and service to our country.
Pilot Community Cat Spay, Neuter and Release Program.
Pilot Community Cat Spay, Neuter & Release Program for Hesperia Residents
The Hesperia Animal Shelter is launching a pilot program to humanely reduce the feral and stray cat population in Hesperia. By sterilizing community cats, the City aims to improve public safety, reduce disease spread, and lower the number of sick or injured cats entering the shelter.
To participate, Hesperia Residents must first schedule an appointment by contacting the Hesperia Animal Shelter. Once an appointment is secured, residents may humanely trap feral, stray community cats, and bring them to the shelter on their scheduled surgery date.
Participation is limited to two cats per household, and only one cat per trap is allowed.
After the cats are sterilized, they will be eartipped—a small portion of the ear is clipped to indicate that the animal has been spayed or neutered. Residents are then responsible for picking up the cats after surgery and ensuring their continued humane and legal care.
There is no cost to residents for participating in the pilot program, unless they choose to rent a trap ($6 per day, subject to availability) or opt for additional vaccinations for the community cat, as outlined on the flyer.
Report a Bite Immediately
California State Law requires all animal bites be reported.
By Phone: (760)947-1700, Options #2
In Person: Hesperia Animal Shelter 11011 Santa Fe East. Hesperia, CA 92345
By Fax: (760)947-1212
Send by attending Medical Hospital to be faxed.
How to File a Complaint
Contact Animal Control Dispatch (760) 947-1700
Types of Complaints:
- Animal Abuse/Cruelty/Neglect
- Vicious Animals
- Animal Noise
- Abandonment
- Excessive Feces and Odor
- Over-Zoning of animals on property
Report
- Injured Animals
- Sick Animals
- Stray or Roaming Animals, with or without a collar
- Deceased Animal
Animal Control will respond to calls for animals found within City of Hesperia City limits only. Calls Received after normal business hours will be responded by Animal Control in Emergencies only.
The animals at the Hesperia Animal Shelter are fed Hill's Science Diet Kibble, provided by the Hill's Food, Shelter & Love program.
Hill's Pet Nutrition has a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Learn more about Science Diet® and Prescription Diet® pet foods at HillsPet.com.
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Animal Services
Physical Address
11011 Santa Fe Avenue East
Hesperia, CA 92345
Phone: (760) 947-1700Fax: (760) 947-1712
Shelter Hours:
- Sunday CLOSED
- Monday CLOSED
- Tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Adoption kennels close 15 minutes before end of business each day.