The following is basic information to help all Madera County residents become aware of their legal responsibilities as pet owners.

For a full list of Madera County Municipal Codes select: Learn more details on this law.

Licensing Requirements

All Madera County dog owners must purchase a license for each dog over 4 months of age. A current rabies certificate is needed before you can get a dog license. If you are a new resident to Madera County or you obtain a new dog, you have 30 days in which to purchase a county dog license, after which a $20.00 late fee is charged in addition to the license fee itself.

Licenses can be purchased for one, two, or three years. The rabies vaccination must be valid for the entire licensing period. In order to license your dog, you will need to provide a current rabies vaccination certificate from by a licensed veterinarian. The certificate must show the date of vaccination, its expiration date, the type of vaccine used, the lot number and the veterinarian's name, license number, and signature.

Please make sure your dog wears their license tag at all times.

Rabies Vaccinations

• As there are always several confirmed positive rabies cases every year in Madera County, all dogs three months of age are required to have a current rabies vaccination, per-California State Law.
• Dogs under one year old must have a primary rabies vaccination followed in one year by a second rabies vaccination which is good for three years.
• While it is not currently required for cats to have a rabies vaccination, it is highly recommended.
• Cats are at great risk due to their roaming habits.
• Please contact your veterinarian for recommended vaccination schedules.
• To lean more details on this law: CA Rabies Laws and Regulations

Dog Control & Leash Law Enforcement

• All dogs in Madera County are expected to be under control at all times.
• They must be confined to your property. If you take them off your property, to go for a walk for example, they must be on a leash.
• Any dog found running at large can be impounded at the County Shelter or returned to its owner with a citation.
• Dogs picked up in violation of the leash law may be redeemed at the shelter 205 Tozer St. in Madera, Ca.
• Dogs brought in without identification are held for 72 hours or three (3) business days.
• Dogs with ID or known owners are held for ten (10) business days.
• Dogs unclaimed at the end of the holding period are available for adoption to responsible homes or can be available for rescue.

Animals In Vehicles

• California law requires your dog to be safely enclosed in a moving vehicle or restrained to prevent them from falling, jumping or being thrown from the vehicle.
• You can be cited for allowing your dog to ride in the back of an open vehicle unrestrained.
• Leaving animals in an enclosed vehicle in hot weather can be deadly. Leave windows open and park in the shade whenever possible.
• Limit car rides to when it is safe for your pet.

Accidents Involving Animals

• If you hit any animal with a vehicle, you must report it to the appropriate law enforcement authority and to the Animal Services Department.
• Failure to do so can be considered a "hit and run" with citations, fines, and even jail time.

Animal Abuse

• If you see or suspect that someone is abusing or neglecting an animal, contact Madera County Animal Services immediately at (559) 675-7891.
• You may also file a complaint through our 311 County service by dialing 311 (for local numbers) or go to www.MadCoServices.com. 
• For emergencies after hours contact the Madera County Sheriff's Office at (559) 675-7769
• Our officers regularly investigate these cases and enforce state and county anti-cruelty laws.
• Know your state's animal laws.

Aggressive Dogs

Anyone who encounters and/or has problems with aggressive dogs can file a complaint with Madera County Animal Services.

Officers will investigate each complaint and take appropriate action towards the dog's owner.

Barking Dogs

• Barking dogs are considered a public nuisance.
• Please contact Madera County Animal Services or make an animal complaint by dialing 311 (for local numbers) or going to www.MadCoServices.com if you have such a problem.
• Knowing the address of where the dog's live can help speed up the process.
• Officers will attempt to help the dog's owner resolve the problem.

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