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1. Why do I need to license my pet?

We track whether or not a pet has been vaccinated for rabies through licensing. The law is intended to protect you and your pet if a bite occurs.

2. Why do I need to license my cat?

Fremont residents are required to license their cats for the same reasons as dogs. To track and ensure that rabies is managed.

3. Where do licensing fees go?

Licensing fees directly support the shelter and other animal services.

4. What is the difference between a license and a permit?

All cats and dogs in Fremont require a license. Permits are for owners that have more cats and/or dogs than allowed with just a license. A permit is also used for animals other than dogs and cats. Find out limits for cats and dogs and other animals including small animals, birds, chickens, and bees.

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1. Can I have my pet vaccinated, altered, or euthanized at the shelter?

The City of Fremont contracts with a local mobile vaccination clinic, Cheap Shots. The clinic is held on the 1st and 4th Saturday and 3rd Wednesday of every month in the Tri-City Animal shelter parking lot. Vaccinations start at $10 and no appointments are required. Microchipping and other preventative services are also available. Cheap Shots is not affiliated with the Tri-City Animal Shelter or any of the cities it represents; please call 415-794-3160 with questions about the clinic.

At this time, spay and neuter services are only provided for animals adopted from the shelter. You may have your pet altered by your veterinarian or contact shelter staff for referrals to local low-cost spay and neuter programs.

Due to mandatory holding periods for animals and staffing shortage, euthanasia is not a service available to the public. Please consult your veterinarian if you believe your pet needs to be euthanized.

2. How can I donate to the shelter?

The shelter pets are always in need of:

• dry and canned food
• treats
• durable toys
• newspaper
• towels
• blankets. Due to safety hazards, we are unable to use any blankets with wires, stuffing, or feathers. 

Please bring donations to the shelter or pet licensing office during open hours.

Monetary donations are also accepted and appreciated. You can send a check payable to City of Fremont and mail to the shelter or donate online. 

Donations are tax-deductible and receipts will be issued upon request.

3. Are there volunteer opportunities available?

Yes, volunteers are taken on an as-needed basis and recruitment is continuous.

To apply, drop by the shelter during business hours (Tuesday - Friday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. or Saturday Noon - 5 p.m.) to speak with the Animal Services Volunteer Coordinator and pick up an application.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Be at least sixteen years of age.
• Be willing to become comfortable around animals and familiar with basic animal behavior.
• Be comfortable interacting with the public.
• Must be able to follow rules, policies and procedures of the Tri-City Animal Shelter.
• Be able to commit at least two hours a week for a minimum of six months (we have flexibility in the hours).
• Be able to volunteer on weekdays and/or Saturdays between the hours of 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Be able to pass a background, including a records check and fingerprinting.

It generally takes 2-4 weeks to complete the steps to become an Animal Services Volunteer.

4. What can I do about a feral cat problem in my neighborhood?

A feral cat is an untamed cat that cannot be handled in any way, not to be confused with a stray cat who is friendly.

It is important that you do not provide any food source for stray cats. Do not leave food outside, even for owned pets (leftovers may attract unwanted animals). Providing food helps cats to breed and brings more unwanted cats into the neighborhood. There are organizations that can help you trap the cats so they can be spayed or neutered.

Ohlone Humane Society offers feral cat traps for rent and spay-neuter assistance to residents of Fremont, Newark and Union City. Used at specified veterinary clinics, their vouchers help spay and neuter over 900 domestic animals and feral cats each year—significantly reducing the overpopulation of animals in the Tri-City community.

The Feral Cat Foundation (FCF) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization whose primary mission is to help people live with the feral and forgotten cats and kittens in Alameda County. They accomplish this through the nationally-recognized and effective method of "TNR" (trap-neuter-return). Learn more...