Rancho Cordova Promotes Responsible Pet Care

Keeping all pets healthy, happy, and safe is the mission of the City of Rancho Cordova Animal Services (RCAS). Headed by Kerry Simpson, Neighborhood Services Manager, RCAS is responsible for dog and cat licensing; reuniting lost animals with their owners; investigating cruelty and neglect cases; caring for sick, injured, abandoned, and unwanted animals; pet adoptions, micro-chipping, and spaying and neutering assistance.

“Our goal is to serve our residents by providing high-level services,” said Simpson. “We are dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership and increasing our community’s standard of animal care through example, education, and consistent application of local and state laws.”

Other services are provided through a contract with the Sacramento SPCA shelter on Florin-Perkins Road in Sacramento. The SPCA conducts pet adoptions, spay and neuter assistance and education programs as part of the City’s full-service approach to caring for pets.

With that philosophy in mind, the Rancho Cordova City Council recently adopted a resolution that is proactive in promoting spaying and neutering, thus reducing the number of unwanted pets that are taken to shelters and euthanized. According to Rancho Cordova municipal codes, all pets in the City must be licensed , have current rabies vaccination, and they must not be a public nuisance. Violations of municipal codes can result in enforcement actions and fees.

The annual fee schedule for cats and dogs is $15 for altered pets and $150 for unaltered pets. Senior citizens aged 65 years and older receive a 50% discount. There is also a lower rate for show pets and working ranch dogs, however restrictions and evidence of proof apply.

Proof of current rabies vaccination must be presented with each application and if applicable, a document stating that your pet is spayed or neutered. Licenses may be purchased for up to three years, provided the rabies vaccination is valid for that length of time. Exceptions to the multiple-year licenses are licenses for show pets and working ranch dogs.

There are several ways to obtain a pet license:
· Go to RCAS office at 10665 Coloma Road, Suite 100.
· Download the City’s form for “Pet Licensing” from the City’s website and mail it or take it to the RCAS office (click on “I want to,” “Download Documents,” click on P for “Pet License Application”)
· Purchase the license at the Sacramento SPCA at 6201 Florin-Perkins Road.

Licenses and information can be obtained at the RCAS office, located at the Rancho Cordova Neighborhood Services Center, 10665 Coloma Road, Suite 100, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, (916) 851-8770. 24-hour emergency services are also provided by the County. To report injured animals or to make a complaint, call (916) 851-8852.