File a Complaint

Long Beach and Signal Hill Residents

If you are experiencing an ongoing animal-related issue, Animal Care Services is here to help. Follow the steps below to report the concern and learn what to expect throughout the complaint process.

Please note: Many concerns can be resolved through education and voluntary compliance. If additional action is needed, an Animal Control Officer will guide you through the next steps.

Before You Begin

This process is intended for reporting ongoing violations of the Long Beach Municipal Code, such as:

• Excessive barking
• Animals running at large
• Failure to license a pet
• Other animal-related municipal code violations

If you are reporting an emergency involving public safety due to an animal, call 911.

• Reporting Animal Cruelty - If you witness or suspect animal cruelty, you should contact us immediately at 562-570-7387. If you feel an animal's life is in imminent danger, please call 9-1-1.
• Goats and Chickens - To file a noise complaint about goats and chickens, please visit the forms at Long Beach Health and Human Services.  Please use the two forms, "How to File a Noise Complaint in the City of Long Beach" and "Noise Complaint Form and Petition."
• Rooster (Crowing Fowl) - To file a complaint about crowing fowl, please call us at 562-570-7387.

How to File a Complaint in Long Beach and Signal Hill

Step 1: Report the Concern

Contact Animal Care Services at (562) 570-7387 to report the issue.

Please be prepared to provide:

• The address where the incident occurred
• A description of the issue
• Dates and times the issue has occurred
• Any supporting photos or videos (if available)

Step 2: Initial Investigation & Education

An Animal Control Officer will review your complaint and investigate the reported violation. Depending on the circumstances, the officer may:

• Contact the animal owner
• Visit the property
• Provide education regarding applicable laws
• Issue a warning or citation, when appropriate

Step 3: Complaint Form (If Required)

If the issue continues after the educational letter or initial investigation, you may be asked to complete a Complaint Form. The Complaint Form serves as your formal witness statement and may be required before additional enforcement action can be be taken.

Please note: Violations that are not personally witnessed by an Animal Control Officer generally require supporting evidence and/or a signed petition before enforcement action can proceed.

Download the Complaint Form

Step 4: Submit Your Complaint Form

After completing the form, submit it using one of the methods below:

• Email: animalsiu@longbeach.gov
• Mail: 7700 E. Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90815
• In Person: Long Beach Animal Care Services, 7700 E. Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90815 (FOLLOW PAW PRINTS ON THE PAVEMENT AND ENTER THROUGH ANIMAL ADMISSIONS)

Step 5: What Happens Next?

Once your Complaint Form is received:

• Animal Care Services will review the information provided.
• An Animal Control Officer may contact you if additional information is needed.
• If the complaint meets the legal requirements, the investigation and enforcement process will continue.

Please keep in mind:

• Enforcement actions, including administrative citations or criminal charges, do not necessarily result in the reported violation stopping immediately.
• Individuals who receive an administrative citation or criminal enforcement action have the legal right to appeal those actions in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.

How to File a Complaint in Cerritos

If you are experiencing an ongoing animal-related issue in the City of Cerritos, please use the resources below to submit the appropriate complaint.

Barking Dogs and Noise | Safer Cerritos

Animals and Wildlife | Safer Cerritos

For more information, please contact the Community Safety Division at (562) 916-1266.

Public Records Requests

If you are requesting records related to an Animal Care Services case, reports, or other department records, please submit a Public Records Act (PRA) request through the City of Long Beach.

Submit a Public Records Request

Please note that records are released in accordance with the California Public Records Act. Certain records or portions of records may be exempt from disclosure under state law.

FAQ