August 28, 2026 — The City of Petaluma is preparing for proposed changes to animal services beginning September 1, following the conclusion of the City’s interim agreement with Marin Humane on August 31.
The proposed new agreements are still subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors at their September 1 meeting. If approved, Sonoma County Animal Services (SCAS) would begin providing animal control services that day, September 1, and the Humane Society of Sonoma County would begin operating the Petaluma Animal Shelter on September 15.
Animal Control Services Beginning September 1
A proposed agreement with Sonoma County Animal Services is scheduled to be considered by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on September 1. If approved, SCAS would begin providing animal control services in Petaluma that day, with the agreement subsequently returning to the Petaluma City Council for ratification.
Residents needing animal control assistance beginning September 1 should call Sonoma County Animal Services at 707-565-7100 and press 1 for field services or press 2 for licensing.
The Petaluma Animal Shelter will be temporarily closed September 1–14. During this planned two-week closure, the City and its animal services partners will complete the transition to a new shelter operator. Animals remaining at the Petaluma shelter on August 31 will be transferred to other shelters, either temporarily or permanently, based on the needs of each animal. Stray and other incoming animals will also be cared for at other shelters during this period.
The Petaluma Animal Shelter is anticipated to reopen September 15, pending final approval of the new operating agreement. The proposed agreement with the Humane Society of Sonoma County is scheduled for consideration by the Petaluma City Council on September 14.
If approved, beginning September 15, shelter hours would be:
• Adoptions: Wednesday–Saturday, noon–5 p.m.
• Business services: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., including phone and email assistance, animal redemptions, volunteer training, and other services.
Throughout the transition, City staff and animal services partners will also be working behind the scenes to transfer records, document City assets, finalize agreements, and coordinate care for animals.
“Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible for residents and, most importantly, for the animals in our care,” said City Manager Peggy Flynn. “While the proposed agreements still need to complete the public approval process, we want our community to know in advance what to expect beginning September 1 and where to turn if they need animal services.”
The City will share updated information as details are finalized. For the latest information about Petaluma Animal Services and the transition, visit cityofpetaluma.org/animalservices.
For media inquiries, please contact Jamieson Bunn, Communications Program Manager, at jbunn@cityofpetaluma.org
