CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, Calif. (March 21, 2024) — Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of all people and animals in our community.
CCAS responsibilities include investigating and enforcing inhumane and dangerous animal claims, rescuing livestock, and removing dead livestock. We also respond to reports of loose livestock, dead wild animals on public lands, and animals that may have been exposed to rabies.
California law requires cities and counties to provide animal services. All cities in Contra Costa County except Antioch contract with the county for these services. As a municipal shelter, we must take in all abandoned, found, and rescued animals, except wild and exotic animals.
The most well-known service provided by CCAS is animal adoption. In 2023, 2,338 animals were adopted. Since 2020, the number of adoptions has increased every year. CCAS has worked hard to remove financial barriers and increase off-site adoption opportunities, including mobile adoption events and community partnerships.
CCAS also operates an animal adoption program where residents can temporarily care for animals and provide a respite from the shelter. Other services include receiving lost pet reports, animal ordinance enforcement, and reunification services. CCAS manages all pet licenses throughout Contra Costa County.
Finally, CCAS is one of the largest providers of low-cost spay/neuter (S/N) procedures in the county. The program's influence has gradually increased over the past four years, from 2,378 horses in 2020 to 4,226 horses in 2023. CCAS provides community S/N clinics, her S/N for all animals adopted or returned to owners from shelters, plus grants to community organizations to provide additional low-cost S/N services. Through money.
However, demand far exceeds capacity, and Measure X funding will help expand the program.
In December, I received a request from my colleagues to allocate $750,000 in one-time funding over three years in Measure We gathered support. As a dog owner, I want to ensure that CCAS can help owners protect and thrive their pets.
CCAS staff chose this rewarding profession because of their deep love and dedication to animals. They care for the animals, provide resources for the animal's family, and provide assistance if the animal is separated from its home. CCAS staff are passionate and want to make a positive impact on the lives of animals in our community.
For more information about CCAS, visit https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9974/Animal-Services.
Ken Carlson is the Supervisor of District 4 in Contra Costa County. For questions or comments, please email Carlson at SupervisorCarlson@bos.cccounty.us or call his office at 925-655-2350.
