We work with local rescue organizations to insure as many animals make their way into good homes as possible. Our rescue line is (916) 875-7982.

Holding Times and Behavioral Evaluations:
The holding period does not start on the day the animal arrives in the shelter. Only business days are counted towards the holding period.

All strays have a mandatory three day holding period to allow the owner to claim his/her dog. If the owner does not claim the dog, shelter staff will conduct a behavioral evaluation on the first day the animal is in the shelter if applicable.

Public and Rescue Availability - For Dog Passing Behavioral Evaluation:
All stray and owner relinquished dogs are available to the public for adoption 48 hours before rescue organizations may rescue the dog. The table below indicates when the public and rescue organizations may adopt the dog.

Rescue Availability - If Dog Does NOT Pass Behavioral Evaluation:
Owner relinquished dogs are available on the first day the animal is in the shelter. Stray dogs are available on the fourth day the animal is in the shelter. The public is not allowed to adopt a dog if the dog fails the behavior evaluation.

Responsibilities of Shelter:   

• Complies daily animal incoming detail report and posts online
• Conducts behavioral evaluations
• Notes rescue organization's request for dog
• Holds dog for 48 hours if rescue organization is going to rescue, unless contacted by rescue organization to make arrangements
• Contacts rescue organization is dog is going to be euthanized

Responsibilities of Rescue Organizations: Please refer to the flow chart for the days in the holding period that each responsibility occurs.

• Review daily animal incoming detail report
• Calls rescue line with the following: want the dog if it does not pass behavior evaluation and/or rescue wants to be called if the dog is going to be euthanized. Rescue organizations are responsible for initiating an agreement with the shelter for the animal. Each agreement is subject to the director's approval.
• Contact shelter asking if the dog passed the behavioral evaluation
• Pick up dog within 48 hours or notify shelter if timeline cannot be met
• Make appointments and keep them 
• Arrive in ample time to allow one hour for the rescue process and to allow shelter employees leave at 5 p.m.

Cats and Other Animals:
Providing cats and other animals pass the behavioral evaluation, they are available to rescue organizations for rescue the same day they are available to the public.

Fees and Paperwork for Rescue Organizations:
With pre-approval, rescue organizations can establish accounts for fees and to be billed; bills must be paid within 30 days of adoption. Rescue organizations must send proof of spay/neuter and vaccinations with fees. If bills are not paid, this privilege will be lost.