If animals are brought to the shelter due to the death of their owner, the animals are automatically held for two weeks in protective custody to give the owner’s family time to come to the shelter and claim the animals. During this time, the animals are not available for adoption and are not on the lost/found list.

Please note that these pets can only be claimed by the next of kin or conservator of the deceased estate. Proof of next of kin and/or conservator and associated fees if applicable will be decided on a case by case basis. 

Contact the shelter to find out whether the animals are available and to arrange a visitation or pick-up at 916-368-7387 or at CountyAnimalCare@saccounty.net, or you can visit the Animal Shelter at 3839 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento 95825.