Animal Services


Animal control officers duties during regular business hours (8am - 4pm) are handled by the Second Chance Animal Shelter

The duties of the Animal Control Officer are to:

  • Provide emergency transportation for injured stray animals
  • Animal bite reporting/quarantine as necessary
  • Impound and temporarily care for stray and unwanted animals
  • Criminal investigations involving animals
  • Resolve citizen complaints regarding animals
  • License enforcement
  • Assist with animal traps as needed 
  • Dangerous/vicious animal enforcement
  • Assist with vaccination clinics
  • Coordinate euthanasia services when absolutely necessary

 


Dog License Application

Dog licenses are required in the City of Selma for all dogs over the age of four (4) months, and are to be renewed on an annual basis.  The City of Selma, and the State of California, require a one (1) year vaccination be obtained as soon as a dog has reached the age of four (4) months and a three (3) year vaccination for any dog over the age on one (1) year.  Licenses are not required for cats in the City of Selma. All licenses expire on December 31st of each year.  They become delinquent if not renewed by March 31st. At which time a 50% penalty is applied. For convenience, vaccination clinics are held on an annual basis. The 2023 Clinics will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 and Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 9am-1pm at Lincoln Park in Selma.

LICENSE FEE SCHEDULE: Unaltered: $20.00 per year. Altered (spayed or neutered): $10.00 per year. Senior Citizens age 62 and over receive a 50% discount as follows, Senior Unaltered: $10.00 per year, Senior Altered: $5.00 per year.

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Tips:

  • If your dogs live outdoors, make sure they have shelter from the sun and rain. Always provide them with a fresh supply of water.
  • Dogs have a higher internal body temperature than humans and get warm at lower temperatures.
  • Never leave your animal in the car alone, even with the windows cracked open. The temperature inside a vehicle can quickly reach 120 degrees. If parked in the shade, remember that shade moves as the day progresses.
  • Immunizing dogs against disease is a simple process. It is one of the most routine procedures performed in veterinary clinics and also the one most prone to confusion and misconception.
  • Keep your canine first aid kit packed and ready for action, and have the telephone numbers of your veterinarian and emergency clinic handy just in case. Accidents, insect stings, dog fights and heat stroke can require immediate attention.
  • If your dog gets lost or stolen, please call Selma Police Department Animal Control and give a description of your dog. This may assist in the return of your dog if it is picked up or delivered to the shelter.

WHY SPAY OR NEUTER?

By spaying or neutering your pet, you are helping to reduce the population of unwanted and unloved animals.  Starvation, illness and or death can easily be prevented with this simple and inexpensive operation.  So be kind to your animals and speak with your local veterinarian.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 1.  I have just moved here from another city and my dog was licensed there.  Is that license valid? 

No, each locality has different rules & regulations, therefore, a new license must be obtained for the City of Selma.

2.  My dog is missing and I don't know where to go to locate it.

You should phone the Selma Police Department (559) 896-2525 to report your lost dog.  They have a listing of all dogs in the City that are licensed, so if the dog is found the owners can be contacted.

3.  The date is August 1st.  My dog is eight (8) months old, it has just had it's rabies shots that the vet says is good for one (1) year.  Must my dog be vaccinated before I renew its license next January?

The City of Selma issues dog licenses on an annual basis, January 1 thru December 31 of each year.  According to the California State Health & Safety Code, Sec:121690(g) the license period shall not extend beyond the remaining period of validity for the current rabies vaccination. Yes, since the original vaccination was in August the dog would need to be vaccinated again before the deadline of March 31 in order to have a valid license through the end of the year.


For more information about animal services, contact Selma Police Department at (559) 896-2525 or Second Chance Animal Shelter (559) 896-7227

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