Our Animal Control Division is devoted to providing superior animal care while supporting responsible pet ownership. We work to re-unite lost pets with their owners, help sick or injured animals and inform the public about wildlife.

We also handle and investigate animal complaints and enforce animal-related laws, including licensing requirements, animal abandonment and prosecutions for animal cruelty. We strive to make sure that any lost or stray animals are safely kept at our facility for the shortest time possible. We want to make sure that lost pets are returned home quickly and safely. Please protect your pets and increase the chances of recovery by making sure that dogs and cats are micro-chipped and registered in a pet recovery database, along with your up-to-date contact information.

Pet Licensing

All dogs ages four months and older must be licensed in the City of El Segundo. To submit an application: 

1. Complete or renew a Pet License Application for your dog.
2. Email or print the application and return it to the ESPD Station in-person or via U.S. mail  

El Segundo Police Department
Attn: Animal Control Division
348 Main Street
El Segundo, CA  90245

Licensing Fees:

Non-Spayed / Neutered	$86.00
Spayed / Neutered	$22.00
Seniors 55+	$10.00
Late Fee	$10.00
Replacement Tag	$5.00

 

Coyote Management

Coyotes are wild animals and can pose a risk to people and pets. The goal of the El Segundo Police Department is to educate the public by fostering a relationship of mutual respect between wildlife and the community so we can live together safely.

California state law prohibits the relocation of coyotes. Trapping coyotes is not always the best solution. If you reduce the population, those left have a better food source and produce larger and stronger litters. If there is a particularly aggressive coyote in your neighborhood, we encourage you to call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at (562) 342-7100.

Learn simple coyote precautions and facts in the below video:

Safety Tips:

• Small animals and children should not be left outside unattended if there are coyotes in your area. Never leave small children and pets unattended outdoors even if your yard is fenced.

• Trash cans should be secure so wildlife is not invited to feed from them.

• Remove pet food dishes when your pet has finished eating and do not leave food outside. Pick ripe fruit and clean rotten produce off the ground.

• Walk your dog on a leash at all times, not only is it the law, but it will keep your pet safe. Do not allow your dog to interact or “play” with a coyote.

• Clear brush from under trees and around your home.

• Special coyote fencing is available and can be found online.

• If you see coyotes, make loud noises and scare them away: bang pots and pans, use a whistle, etc. BUT, they are smart and you cannot keep making the same noise and expect the coyotes to fall for the same trick over and over.

• When you are walking your dog in areas known to have coyotes, you can carry a loud whistle of even an umbrella that you can open and close rapidly to scare them away. Unlike the approach with an aggressive dog, you can raise your arms above your head and stomp your feet while shouting at the coyote to scare them away.

• Put all trash bags inside trashcans and keep all outdoor trashcan lids securely fastened on the containers. Ammonia or pepper sprinkled in the trash may also discourage a scavenging coyote.

• Keep your property well lit at night especially when you go out with your dog for the last potty break before bed. Bring cats and dogs inside at night.

• Trim hedges and keep any underbrush cleaned out from around your yard so the coyotes do not have a hiding place.

• Close off crawl spaces under porches, decks and sheds. Coyotes use such areas for resting and raising young.

• Feeding wildlife is illegal! Do not approach or feed wild animals, including coyotes. It is unsafe and a violation of the law.

At the recommendation of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the City of El Segundo developed a Coyote Management Plan. The suggested actions in the plan are designed to increase citizens’ knowledge and understanding of how coyotes behave and make clear how such behavior can be managed to reduce or eliminate conflicts with coyotes. This plan requires active participation on the part of the entire community including residents, volunteers, and city staff.