Animal Control

Animal control and related matters in Claremont are handled by the Inland Valley Humane Society (IVHS). Injured, stray, lost or noisy animals, as well as animal attacks, can be reported directly to the IVHS during business hours or through the Claremont Police Department at (909) 399-5411 after hours.

Pet Licensing

All dogs over the age of 4 months or have been on your property for more than 30 days, must have a current rabies vaccination and license.

City of Claremont Dog License Fees:

  • Unaltered Dog - $100
  • Altered Dog - $30
  • Late Fee - $60

Common Problems and Concerns in Claremont

Barking Dogs

Claremont Municipal Code Section 6.12.200 - 6.12.240 deals with dogs that bark continuously to the annoyance of people in the neighborhood.

Dogs that bark excessively can be very disturbing to your neighbors. If barking persists after visits from the IVHS and the Claremont Police Department, you may file a "Declaration of Complaint" under CMC Section 6.12.200. This section calls for two neighbors living in separate homes to file with the City's shelter master, which is the IVHS, located in Pomona. After the declaration is filed, the Humane Society has their officers assigned to investigate the complaint. Sanctions for barking dogs can range from further training to removal of the dog from the residence.

Coyotes and Wildlife

Because of our proximity to the foothills, the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park, and general mountainous region, coyotes are sometimes seen in town looking for food and water. Although coyotes are rarely a threat to humans, The City makes every effort to safeguard the Claremont community by instructing all field staff to be on the lookout for coyotes in public areas.

Free Whistles to scare away aggressive coyotes are available at the following locations:

  • Police Department, 570 W. Bonita Ave.
  • City Hall, 207 N. Harvard Ave.
  • Alexander Hughes Community Center, 1700 Danbury Rd.

If you spot a coyote, please call IVHS Wildlife Officer at 909-623-9777 x673. However, if there is an encounter with wildlife where it is acting in an aggressive manner and/or endangering human safety, dial 9-1-1 and the police department will respond.

These resources provide more information:

Mountain Lions

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, more than half of California is mountain lion habitat. Mountain lions generally exist wherever deer are found. They are solitary and elusive, and their nature is to avoid humans. Mountain lion attacks on humans are extremely rare; however, conflicts are increasing as California's human population expands into mountain lion habitat.

Staying Safe in Mountain Lion Country

  • Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
  • Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active, and don't allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.
  • Don't leave small children or pets outside unattended.
  • Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
  • Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.
  • Keep a close watch on small children.
  • Do not ever approach a mountain lion.
  • If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run. Instead: face the animal, make noise, try to look bigger by waving your arms, and throw rocks or other objects.
  • If attacked, fight back.
  • If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 9-1-1.

Wild Animals

We live in an area filled with many different types of wildlife. Animal control and related matters in Claremont are handled by the Inland Valley Humane Society (IVHS). IVHS does not advocate trapping, removal, relocation, or eradication of healthy wildlife. Wildlife experts agree that removing these creatures from the urban environment creates a hole in the ecosystem for other similar animals to fill. Relocation to other areas is not recommended because it is generally a death sentence for the animal being introduced, and it may spread parasites or diseases to the animals already living there. To learn more about living with wildlife, including how to discourage wildlife from visiting your yard, please review the Humane Society's wildlife brochure(PDF, 41MB).

Back to top