The county reported that responding to reports of stray and injured animals after normal business hours is not mandated under the law, in most cases, however, Animal Care and Control has attempted to offer “the highest possible level of service” within staffing and resource limitations.
Effective immediately, weekday after-hours calls placed by dialing 707-263-0278 will receive a response the following business day.
An on-call officer will be available during weekend hours through the remainder of October: Friday at 5 p.m. to Monday at 8 a.m., Oct. 14 to 17, 21 to 24, and 28 to 31.
Starting Nov. 1, all after-hours services will be temporarily unavailable, including weekend services.
If stray injured dogs and cats are found after 5 p.m. on weekdays or on weekends, they can still be taken to local veterinarians to receive care.
Lake County Animal Care and Control is in the process of hiring more officers, and on-call services will be reinstated as soon they can be safely provided.
Training of newly-hired officers typically takes five to six months, but the agency’s sincere hope is to accelerate this process, and resume after-hours services within the first quarter of 2023.
Animal Care and Control can be reached at 707-263-0278, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During this time of transition, Animal Care and Control’s contracted answering service will still be receiving calls after business hours.
Any calls received will be documented and an officer will respond the next available workday.