Dogs bark for many reasons and it is perfectly normal and reasonable for animals to make some noise from time to time. However, continual noise for long periods of time is a sign that the pet has a problem that needs to be addressed. Constant, unrestrained, and unwarranted barking of dogs can disturb the peace of the surrounding neighbors, with effects ranging from mild annoyance to lost sleep or even health problems such as severe headaches.  To learn more about the reasons why dogs bark and for strategies and training tips to control excessive barking, dog owners should read the information sheet "Suggestions How to Reduce Animal Noise" provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC).

If there is a dog in your neighborhood that constantly barks, whether it's only for a few hours every night (or day) or around the clock, you can report it!  For dogs that live within City limits, contact the Public Safety Office's Barking Dog Hotline at (661) 723-5991 or publicsafety@cityoflancasterca.gov.  For all other animal-related complaints, (whether or not in conjunction with a barking dog complaint), including unsanitary or abusive conditions, neglect, vicious animals, strays, or other animal welfare issues, please contact LA County Animal Control at (661) 940-4191 or file a report online: animalcare.lacounty.gov.

When submitting your complaint, please have available the address where the dog resides along with any other pertinent information, as well as your name, address, phone number, and email address (if applicable) so that we can contact you if needed.  We will not share your information with anyone, including the dog owner, without your prior and specific consent.  You will only be contacted if we need further information, and generally will not give a "call back" for each complaint received.

Please allow a reasonable period of time between complaints, as this is needed both to follow-up on the complaint and to allow the dog owner(s) to respond and correct the problem. While timely complaints are important to keep problems from continuing for an extended period of time, daily complaints will not "speed up the process" for legal reasons.  The process for complaints is as follows:

Complaints submitted to the City are followed-up by a Notification of Complaint mailed to the dog owner's residence.  If the problem does not resolve within a reasonable amount of time, (generally, three weeks), and additional or follow-up complaints are received, a Notice to Abate will be issued to the property owner.

If the problem does not resolve within 14 calendar days of issuance of a Notice to Abate, and additional complaints are received, the City may elect to pursue legal action against the dog owner(s), including but not limited to citations, office hearings, court proceedings, monitored compliance, and more.  Keep in mind that this is within the City's discretion based on information gathered as a result of complaint follow-up, and is determined on a case-by-case basis.  In addition, the dog owner has 14 days from the date of a Notice to Abate to formally contest the complaint in writing before any action will be taken. There is no fee to contest this action. 

For barking dogs that live outside of City limits, you may report the problem by using the Department of Animal Care & Control's (DACC) Animal Noise Complaint Form (an email address is required). For more information, please visit the DACC's Animal Laws & Ordinances page.

If you have any questions about barking dogs, or to follow up on the status of a complaint, please contact the agency with whom you filed the complaint. For the City of Lancaster's Police Department Office, call (661) 723-5991 or email publicsafety@cityoflancasterca.gov; for the Lancaster Animal Shelter, call (661) 940-4191, or visit their office at 5210 West Avenue I, 93536.

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