Special Services

The Special Services unit consists of three sections: Field Licensing, Business Licensing and the Operations department.

Field Licensing is responsible for ensuring that dogs over 4 months of age and in our jurisdiction are rabies vaccinated and licensed.
OC Animal Care Representatives (Canvassers), provide a personal door-to-door service by:
- Canvassing contract cities and the unincorporated areas of the County throughout the year.
- Issuing dog licenses and updating licensing records.
- Providing general information about the services provided by OC Animal Care.
- Providing information to the public about the benefits of licensing their pets, state and local mandates, and how pet licensing is a form of identification that helps reunite pets with their families.

Business Licensing regulates and licenses animal related businesses including:
- commercial stables
- pet shops
- grooming parlors
- commercial kennels
- animal exhibitions
- circuses
- rodeos
- pony rides
Inspections are conducted twice a year to ensure the animals are properly cared for, and adequate records are kept.
Complaints received from the public involving the welfare of any animal in a licensed facility are investigated.

Citizens observing any of the following conditions at an animal related business should report it to OC Animal Care.

Cruelty to animals; mistreatment of animals
Sick or injured animals displayed on sales floor
Lack of food and water
Lack of proper ventilation
Unsanitary facilities
Lack of adequate space for the animals in cages at pet shops or a commercial stable

Please contact our Business Licensing Desk for information on obtaining an Animal Facility License Application or to file a complaint.