Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I have an emergency?

The shelter provides 24-hour emergency services for injured, vicious or stray animals creating a traffic hazard. For assistance after normal business hours call the Police Department at (831) 636-4330 and an Animal Control Officer will be paged.

What do I do if I find a stray animal after hours?

The Animal Shelter has a stray animal drop off after normal business hours, to safely house stray animals. The kennels are located on the east side of the shelter building.

Do you provide stray animal pick up?

Animal Control Officers respond to reports of stray domestic animals, animal cruelty complaints, biting animals, aggressive animals, dead animals in roadways, rabies control, and code enforcement complaints, such as barking dogs.

Do you have volunteer opportunities?

VIP's (Volunteers in Policing) are always needed to provide assistance in carrying out the daily duties at the shelter. VIP applicants must be 18 years of age and volunteer a minimum of eight hours per month. We encourage qualified, motivated individuals to join our VIP team.

More information click here .

Do you have animals for adoption?

The goal of the Hollister Animal Shelter is to find a loving home for every adoptable animal in our care. Wonderful dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are available for adoption daily.

How do I adopt an animal?

Adoption fees include the cost of the animals spay or neuter, vaccinations, micro chipping, license if applicable and any other treatment the animal may need.  Adoption fees may vary depending on medical treatment given to each animal.

DOWNLOAD ADOPTION APPLICATION

Can I make a report online?

The Hollister Animal Control Bureau can receive online reports for barking dogs. Please include contact information in your report so we can verify your information with the online report.

* REPORT ONLINE HERE (This feature is disabled)

How do I report a lost/found animal?

The Animal Shelter receives thousands of lost or abandoned animals each year, and maintains a directory of lost and found pets that is available to the public. If you lose a pet contact the Animal Shelter immediately to file a lost pet report, and if you find a pet, by law you must notify the Animal Shelter as pets are considered personal property. We will file a found pet report if you want to hold on to it or arrange to have the pet picked up and brought to the Animal Shelter.

For a listing of Adoptions and Lost & Found pets, please click on the link below:

How and where do I license my dog?

Any dog residing in the City limits of Hollister or the unincorporated area of San Benito County must have a dog license. Licenses can be obtained at the Hollister Animal Shelter located at 1331 South Street or City Hall 375 Fifth Street. Please provide proof of a current rabies vaccination. License fees co-inside with the duration of the rabies vaccination. Following are the fees:

1 year altered dog $9,

2 year altered dog $13,

3 year altered dog $18,

1 year unaltered dog $18,

2 year unaltered dog $28,

3 year unaltered dog is $36.

DOWNLOAD DOG LICENSE APPLICATION

Are cats required to have a license?

Although cats are not required to be licensed in San Benito County and the City of Hollister, they are required to have a current rabies vaccination.

What do I do if a dog bites me or if my dog bites someone?

Bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes are some of the many animals who transmit rabies. San Benito County and the City of Hollister both require current rabies vaccinations on all dogs and cats. If you are bitten or scratched by any warm blooded animal including your pet dog or cat you must contact the Animal Shelter, Environmental Health Department or your physician immediately.

Does the Animal Shelter provide any vet (medical) services/ or Low-cost Spaying / Neutering?

The Hollister Animal Shelter does not provide any medical services for the public, below is a list of Veterinarians and Low –Cost spay/neuter clinics and low-cost vaccination clinics.

Animal Hospital – (831) 637-0031

Family Pet Care Center – (831) 637-7387

Hollister Veterinary Clinic – (831) 637-2580

Ausaymas Veterinary – (831) 637-0097

The House Call Vet – (831) 262-0253

Pet Friends – (831) 634-1141 (The Hays-Stratton Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic)

St.Francis of Assisi Low-Cost Clinic– (408) 683-0866

Protect Your Pet Mobile Vaccination Services– (831) 206-5548 / 796-0658 (1 st , 2 nd , and 4 th Saturday of every month at Pet World)

Can I microchip my pet at the Animal Shelter?

The Animal Shelter provides micro chipping for cats and dogs. The microchip is a type of permanent identification if your pet gets lost or if your pet is stolen, it is not used as a tracking (GPS) device. Your pet's microchip is inserted between the shoulder blades just under the skin and it only takes a few minutes to insert the chip and complete the paperwork.

Does the Animal Shelter accept donations of blankets, towels, toys, food etc..?

All donations are accepted at the Animal Shelter at 1331 South Street. Donations of blankets, toys, food, and other animal items are greatly appreciated.

How do I report a barking dog?

Barking dog complaints can be reported by calling the Animal Shelter and providing the animal control officer with the address where the barking dog lives, and provide a log of the times and duration of the barking in order for officers to resolve the problem. Sometimes dog owners are away from home and are not aware of their dogs' behavior. To make a formal complaint, please print and complete an Affidavit of Complaint form and mail it to 1331 South Street, Hollister Ca. 95023 or bring it to the Animal Shelter during business hours.

What can I do about feral cats?

If you have a feral cat problem you can call the Animal Shelter for a cat trap rental or if you have a cat trap already you can bring the cat in the trap to the Animal Shelter.

Who do I call for problems with wildlife?

If you are having problems with wildlife you can call the Wildlife Center at 628-3400 or the USDA Wildlife Specialist at 637-5344 ext.14.

Does the Animal Shelter accept owner surrenders?

The Hollister Animal Shelter accepts all owner-surrendered animals for a fee of $20.00 dollars per animal. If you have lost your home and are no longer able to care for your pet, please call the Animal Shelter if you need help with your pet

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Does the Animal Shelter provide Euthanasia services?

The Shelter provides Euthanasia services for injured, sick, aggressive, or aged pets. The Shelter does not provide owner present Euthanasia's.

Who do I call to pick up a deceased animal?

If you have a deceased pet you can bring it to the Animal Shelter for a fee of $12.00 dollars. If you want to report a deceased stray animal you can call the Animal Shelter at 636-4320 and an officer will go out and remove it during business hours.

Who do I call for bee problems?

The Animal Shelter does not handle problems with bees, you will need to call a bee removal service or pest control service. The Animal Shelter does have a contact for any bees nesting on city property; call the Animal Shelter at 636-4320 for information.

What is the limit of dogs/cats allowed in the city/county?

If you live within the city limits of Hollister you are allowed to own 3 dogs and 3 cats. If you live in the county you are allowed 5 dogs and 8 cats.

Can I make an anonymous complaint?

If you wish to make a complaint but want to remain anonymous, the officer will need your name and phone number to call you for information. All complaints are anonymous unless you are required to sign a complaint for the issue of a citation.