Animal Control
The Solano County Sheriff's Office provides Animal Control Services for the City of Benicia. Click here to be directed to the Solano County Animal Control website, or view the informational brochure using the link at the bottom of the page.
The City of Benicia has a municipal code that addresses dogs off leash in city limits. Please see the pamphlet in on this page called "dogs off leash" for information abou the municipal code, a map of the locations where dogs can be off leash, and information about dogs off leash on private property.
WILD ANIMALS:
We cannot relocate wild animals or take them to a shelter or animal hospital. Residents are referred to contact wildlife trappers, Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital or California Department of Fish and Wildlife for calls regarding wild animals.
LIVING WITH WILDLIFE:
One of the most attractive things about Benicia is its abundant open spaces and green pathways for wildlife. This incredibly large amount of open space that those involved in planning our community helped to protect brings with it some unique challenges, especially several years into a serious drought. We are seeing an increase in reports of coyotes, raccoons, deer and other wildlife in our neighborhoods. Many of these animals are searching for food and find pet food and water, and sometimes pets, to be a much easier way to survive than searching for limited stocks of food and water in the open spaces.
Generally speaking these animals will retreat from human interactions, especially if one makes themselves big and loud. Pets should be kept on leash during walks through open space and trails and food and water should not be left out at home. Food and water should never be left on trailheads, trails or in open space to feed wild animals. These simple actions will reduce the likelihood of negative interactions with our wildlife.
If you do find yourself in an encounter with an aggressive animal that does not retreat and comes at you aggressively, or aggressively attempts to attack you or your pet, please report this to the Solano County Animal Control office at 707-784-4733. However, any wild animal that bites a human or pet should be reported immediately to the Benicia Police Department.
More information on living with wildlife:
- Coyotes - for our best practices approach in conjunction with the Humane Society.
- Video - Coyotes: Villain or Vilified?
- Raccoons - The Benicia Police Department does not conduct trapping as we are prohibited by law from relocating trapped animals such as raccoons without a special permit (see trapping in the link above for further information). We recommend those interested in such service look for an authorized and licensed trapper or similar service.