The Animal Control Division was formed in July 2012 and is dedicated to providing the best possible service to the citizens of the City of Somerton. The main objective of this division is to educate the community about the importance of maintaining their pets in a secure environment, encourage proper dog licensing, and reunite owners with their pets whenever possible.
A temporary dog shelter is located within City limits where dogs are maintained, as necessary, before being transferred to the Humane Society of Yuma where they will be kept for another 3-5 days before being placed for adoption.
An Animal Control Officer responds to calls related to animals at large, animal cruelty cases, dog bite cases, and a variety of situations involving domesticated animals.
As of July 1, 2012, all dogs must be registered with the City of Somerton when the dog becomes 3 months of age. Dog registrations are open year-round at the Somerton Public Safety Building from Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Registration forms are also available online.
Reporting an Animal Bite
Both Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S. 11-1014) and City Ordinance (130-099) require anyone with direct knowledge of an animal biting a human to report the bite immediately to an Animal Enforcement Agent.
In accordance with Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S. §11-1014), an unvaccinated animal that bites any person shall be confined and quarantined in a county pound or, on the request of, and at the expense of the owner, at a veterinary hospital for a period of not less than ten days. The quarantine period shall start on the day of the bite incident. If the day of the bite is not known, the quarantine period shall start on the first day of impoundment. At the end of ten days, the owner can take the animal home after paying the quarantine impound fees.
ARS §11-1014 makes exceptions. If your animal is properly vaccinated, the animal can be, in certain cases, quarantined at home, after signing and adhering to the requirements of the home quarantine agreement. At the end of the quarantine period, the animal must be inspected to be released from quarantine.
To report an animal bite, contact the City of Somerton Animal Control Services Unit at (928) 722-7326.
What About Rabies?
Rabies is a potentially fatal disease caused by a virus carried by animals infected with the disease. The most common carriers of rabies are wild animals such as squirrels, raccoons, coyotes, and especially bats and skunks. These animals can infect a household pet which could then pass it on to people or other animals. Care should be taken to avoid situations that place your pet in contact with wild animals.
All dogs and cats over 3 months of age are required to be vaccinated against rabies. There are still animals, of course, that have not been vaccinated, so adults should caution children to use care when around strange animals.
The Humane Society of Yuma offers clinics to vaccinate pets. For further information on the Human Society of Yuma, please call: (928) 782-1621 or visit their website at