Do I need a license for my dog? How do I get one?
Yes, all dogs must have a current rabies vaccination, must wear a collar with their license number attached, and must be on a leash at all times when they are out in public. Call the San Mateo County Animal Licensing Department at (650) 363-4220 or visit their website. You may also purchase a dog license at the Peninsula Humane Society at 12 Airport Blvd. in San Mateo.

How many dogs or cats may I have in San Carlos?
You may have up to three dogs and three cats. If you feed or give a cat water, legally it is yours, even if you never allow it inside your house.

Do I need a license for my cat?
No.

What if I want to have more dogs or cats than you allow?
You may apply for an Animal Permit through the San Carlos Police Department. For more information, call (650) 802-4277.

Does San Carlos allow me to keep chickens? horses? goats?
It is unlawful for any person, partnership, corporation or unincorporated association to keep or maintain, or cause to be kept or maintained any animals other than household pets in the city, without having received a permit from the Police Department. The applicant may appeal an unfavorable recommendation to the police chief. The decision of the police chief upon an appeal shall be final and conclusive. Such a permit shall be revocable at any time the Police Department determines that the keeping of such animals are or may become detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare. For more information contact the Police Department at (650) 802-4277.

Does San Carlos have a dog park?
Yes. See the Parks section for more information.

A dog is running loose in my neighborhood. What should I do?
If you don't feel completely comfortable approaching the dog to check for tags and call the owner, call the Peninsula Humane Society Animal Control Services at (650) 340-8200. Approach any dog you don't know with extreme caution or not at all. If an animal is causing a life-threatening emergency to a human being, call 911.

My neighbor's dog keeps barking. What can I do about it?
Excessive, continuous, or untimely barking is a public nuisance. It is against the law for a dog owner to fail to exercise proper care of the animal. If possible, talk to your neighbor (see Neighbors section). You may also call the Police Department at (650) 802-4277 and they will try to take care of the problem. Habitual cases may result in the animal being impounded.

People in my neighborhood do not pick up after their dogs. What can I do?
Dog owners are required to pick up their dog's messes immediately. Dog owners should be "prepared" to clean up after their dog when they take it for a walk. If you have a habitual problem with dog feces that you cannot resolve, call the Police Department at (650) 802-4277.

A dog just bit someone in my family. Who do I call?
If your family member is seriously injured and requires medical attention, call 911 immediately. If it is a non-life-threatening dog bite, you should report the dog bite immediately to the San Carlos Police Department at (650) 802-4277. After an investigation, the officer may contact the San Mateo County Department of Health or the County Animal Control Program.

Where can I adopt a dog or a cat?
Call the Peninsula Humane Society at (650) 340-8200, or visit them at 12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo. You may also check their website at www.peninsulahumanesociety.org. They offer dozens of pre-screened, healthy, adoptable animals in need of a good home. Besides dogs and cats, they have rabbits, rats, hamsters, and a variety of other animals.