City of Elk Grove




Program Line
for Animal Services
(916) 687-3023

(See additional numbers)

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Updates & Events

 

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Hot Weather Tips for Your Pet

  • Boy hugging dog. A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must; add to that a test for heartworm, if your dog isn't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.

  • Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle—hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.

  • Always carry a gallon thermos filled with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.

  • The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.

  • Street smarts: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog standing on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

  • A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.

  • Provide fresh water and plenty of shade for animals kept outdoors; a properly constructed doghouse serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of the house.

  • Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

  • Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length—never down to the skin, please, which robs Rover of protection from the sun—helps prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed often.

  • Couple with their dog.Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

  • Having a backyard barbecue? Always keep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles and insect coils out of pets' reach.

  • Please make sure that there are no open, unscreened windows or doors in your home through which animals can fall or jump.

  • Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature.

 

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Staff Spotlight
 
Gerald Skibby
Michelle Ward

Officer Michelle Ward is probably the quietest Animal Service Officer in the group, but she has gained some of the most unique experiences with some of the most exotic animals. She worked for Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) as an animal keeper. PAWS is a society dedicated to caring for abused or neglected performance animals. While with this organization, Michelle cared for monkeys, tigers, lions, bears, and cougars. Her favorite part of the job was hand feeding a lion named “Amanda” who could not eat off of the ground.

After working for PAWS, Michelle worked for the SSPCA, and Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation. Officer Ward has been working for the City of Elk Grove since 2005. She enjoys working with baby animals, and thinks baby goats are the cutest things.

Even though Michelle has worked with many of different types of wildlife, her favorite type of animals are reptiles. She stated, “I’m a fan of anything that slithers, hisses, or strikes. My favorite reptile is a Savannah Monitor because they love to sunbathe, go for walks, climb trees, go swimming, and sleep next to you.”

Michelle is a proud owner of two Pit Bulls named “Charlie” and “Sammy” and two cats named “Walon Jennings and “Mr. Wilson.” When she is not working with animals she is either watching football at the Brickhouse or searching for a new fishing spot.

 


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New Title 8

The Elk Grove City Council passed a new Title 8 into the municipal code at their October 10, 2008 council meeting. On November 10, 2008 the new ordinance went into effect. Click here for a complete copy of the new Title 8.

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Lost Animals

Currently, the City of Elk Grove does not have a housing facility / shelter for lost animals living within the City limits. As a result, we have created a partnership with the SSPCA to house anyanimals lost who live within the City of Elk Grove limits. If youhave lost an animal, please, contact the Sacramento SPCA.

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Local, Community, and/or Organizational Events

If you have an upcoming event and are interested in inviting the Animal Services Division to the function, please contact our mainline 916.687.3023, to schedule the date and time.

Updated: 07/06/2010 9:11 AM

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City of Elk Grove . 8401 Laguna Palms Way . Elk Grove, California 95758 . 916.683.7111 . Fax 916.691.2001