Animal Control

Torrance Animal Control dedicates itself to safeguarding both animals and residents. Our Rangers work hard to enforce local animal laws. They help keep our community safe and promote responsible pet ownership. We champion the welfare of animals while nurturing a vibrant community for everyone.

You can reach the City of Torrance Animal Control Office by phone or email. Staff members are often out in the community and may not answer calls. Please leave a voicemail with your name, number, the issue, and the animal's location. Your personal information will remain confidential.

Animal Control CAN help with:

  • Enforcing Torrance Municipal Codes (TMC) for domestic and wild animals
  • Removing deceased animals from public areas
  • Enforcing pet license laws
  • Addressing loose dogs and other domestic animals
  • Assisting sick, injured, or trapped animals
  • Reuniting stray animals with their owners when possible
  • Handling domestic animal noise complaints
  • Promoting pet responsibility and humane treatment
  • Responding to other animal-related code violations

Animal Control CANNOT help with:

  • Coyotes and bees
  • Trapping or transporting wild or feral cats
  • Holding found animals longer than 36 hours
  • Accepting surrendered animals (this must be done through LA County Shelters)
  • Animal abuse or neglect (contact Torrance Police at (310) 618-3456)
  • Aggressive animals (contact Torrance Police at (310) 618-3456)
  • Sea life (call the Marine Mammal Care Center at 1-800-39-WHALE)

Lost Animals

If you’ve lost your pet, check our FOUND Animals page. Animals are visible for 30 days after arrival.

Due to limited space, found animals are held for only 5 days before being sent to the LA County Shelter in Carson. Also, search Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control for your lost pet.

Lost your pet? Here’s what to do:

  • Visit the City of Torrance Official website for a list of found animals.
  • Contact your pet’s microchip company for help.
  • Report your missing pet and check pet locator websites.
  • Create a LOST PET flyer and share it online and in your community.
  • Check with vets, mail carriers, and delivery people. Lost pets may wander far, so search at least seven blocks in all directions.
  • Don’t give up! Many people might keep a stray pet for a while, hoping to find the owner.

Visit the following websites listed below to help find lost pets:

 

 

Found Animals

 

The City of Torrance lists found animals and pets on its website for 30 days. Animals found by Torrance Animal Control can stay at the shelter for only 3 days. After that, they must move to the LA County Shelter in Carson due to limited space. Many of these animals are “stray” pets that have become lost.

When an animal arrives at Animal Control, we check for any ID tags, licenses, or microchips. If the animal has identification, we contact the owner right away. Pets that have current licenses or updated microchips stand a better chance of reuniting with their families.

Remember, the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC 41.3.1) requires that anyone who has or cares for a dog in Torrance must get an annual license.

I Found a Lost Pet

Here are some steps to take:

  • Check if the animal has an ID tag. If it does, you may contact the owner directly. If you can’t reach them, report the found pet and look for a match on the pet locator websites listed here.

  • If you find a pet, contact Torrance Animal Control at 310-618-3850 to turn it in.

  • Have the animal scanned for a microchip. If there’s no ID tag, take it to a local shelter or veterinary clinic for a scan. If the pet has a chip, staff can locate the owner's contact info. This is helpful if someone has already reported the pet as lost.

  • Although it’s tempting to keep a lost pet and find the owner yourself, scanning for a microchip is crucial. Pets feel stressed when away from their families and homes.

  • Report the lost pet and check for a match on the pet locator websites provided on this page.

  • Make a FOUND PET flyer and post it around your community.

  • Share the FOUND PET flyer on social media.

  • Don’t give up! Someone is searching for their furry friend.

              

 

Barking Dog

If you're dealing with a barking dog in Torrance, follow these steps:

Step 1: Talk to the dog owner first. They may not know about the noise.

Step 2: If needed, file a complaint on the Torrance Citizen Portal. Include your contact info, date and time of barking, duration, and a description of the dog.

Step 3: Animal Control will contact the owner and provide advice on resolving the issue.

Step 4: The owner has 15 days to address the problem.

  • If the issue continues, file a second complaint.
  • An Animal Control Officer will follow up and inform the owner about further actions.

Note: Your personal information will remain confidential unless further action is needed.

Pet Licensing

DocuPet is the official pet licensing partner of the City of Torrance.

License your pet or find out more about Torrance pet licensing on this link.

Microchipping

Losing a pet can be emotional. Microchipping saves lives and helps reunite you with your pet quickly. A microchip provides permanent ID that links your pet to you.

If your dog is lost, shelters or vets can scan the chip and contact you.

  • Avid Microchip Company: Website
  • Home Again Microchip Company: Website

I Need to Rehome My Pet

Torrance Animal Control cannot accept surrendered pets. Please do not leave your pet outside our facility.

Saying goodbye to a pet is tough. Before considering a shelter, explore these options:

  • Research online for help with behavior or health issues.
  • Post your pet’s photo and info on social media.
  • Talk to friends, family, and neighbors about your pet.
  • Contact breed-specific rescues if applicable.
  • Make your pet more adoptable by having them spayed/neutered and vaccinated.
  • Seek financial help from local charities or vets for vet costs.
  • Be open about any issues to help match your pet with the right home.

If you’ve tried to rehome your pet and need to surrender, go to a Los Angeles County Shelter. The Carson Animal Shelter at 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248 is open during business hours.

Aggressive Animals, Dog Bites

If you see an aggressive dog, contact the Torrance Police Department right away, especially if it has attacked. While waiting for help, keep safe and document the situation.

Immediate actions:

  • Call Torrance Police non-emergency: Report the aggressive dog. The non-emergency number is 310-328-3456.
  • Stay safe: Avoid eye contact and remain calm.
  • Don't approach: Keep a safe distance and avoid fighting dogs.
  • Use barriers: Stay behind a fence if possible.
  • Document the incident: Record dates, times, and take photos or videos from a safe spot.
  • Report to Animal Control: Go to the Torrance Citizen Portal to file a complaint.

Encourage neighbors to report their experiences too.

Other local resources

Petco Love Lost

Torrance Lost and Found Pets Facebook Group

Paw Boost

24 Pet Connect

Pet Amber Alert

Lost My Doggie

SPCA LA

LA County Animal Control

Contact Us

Phone

(310) 618-3850

 

Email

AnimalControl@TorranceCA.Gov

 

Location

2200 Jefferson St.

Torrance, CA 90503

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