If an animal appears to be a danger, is injured or may be injured, call the campus police at (831) 459-2231 ext.1. If an animal is posing a threat to people or animals, dial 9-1-1.
Domestic Animals
Domestic animals that are not service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are prohibited on all UC Santa Cruz property unless specifically exempted by the UC Santa Cruz Non-Research Animal Policy (PDF). Please see the policy for guidelines and regulations for exempted animals.
Service Animals
Service Animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted on UC Santa Cruz property. For more information, see the UC Santa Cruz Service/Support Animal Policy.
Wild Animals
The feeding of wild animals is prohibited
Information on mountain lion guidelines
Pursuant to 14 CCR § 251.1 (California Code of Regulations) feeding wild animals on campus is prohibited and violators may be subject to time in jail and/or fines. This includes hand feeding or leaving food out for the purpose of feeding any wild animal, including feral cats, on the UC Santa Cruz campus or any property owned or controlled by the UC Regents. With approval, only food left out as bait for purposes of capturing for animal control or as approved for an educational purpose is permitted.
Various local organizations and campus departments assume responsibility for providing some animal services and/or advice regarding wild animals. The table below provides contact information for assistance with many of the animal-related situations we have encountered on campus.
| Area of Responsibility | Responsible Party | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| Enforcement | UC Santa Cruz Police (831) 459-2231 ext. 1* Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Services if necessary (831) 454-7303 *Will respond only if authorized by the Police Department | Police responsibilities include: Issuing citations, giving warnings and writing reports as they relate to current law and criminal acts involving animals Investigating reports of animal bites along with Santa Cruz County Animal Control Collaborating with EH&S, Grounds and other campus departments, state, and county agencies to evaluate public health situations and take appropriate actions to protect the community |
| Euthanasia | UC Santa Cruz Police (831) 459-2231 ext. 1* Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Services (831) 454-7303 *Will respond only if authorized by the Police Department | Police will dispatch animals that are injured and suffering, when reasonable to do so. For small, caged, animals requiring euthanasia, the campus veterinarian can be contacted during business hours. (831) 459-3135 |
| Service Animals | Student requests: Disability Resource Center (831) 459-2089 Staff/ Faculty Requests: Disability Management Coordinator (831) 459-4602 | For more info:UC Santa Cruz Service/Support Animal Policy, Americans with Disabilities Act |
| Rodent Control and Trapping | UC Santa Cruz Physical Plant/Grounds (831) 459-2252 | |
| Research Animals | UC Santa Cruz Office of Research Compliance Administration (ORCA) (831) 459-1473 In an emergency, contact the campus veterinarian at (831) 713-6722 | UC Santa Cruz Police assists with: Policy development Development of security plans for facilities IACUC assists with: Education and training of researchers as it relates to animal research Assuring that staff receive proper training and immunization as required by law or policy |
| Education and Outreach | UC Santa Cruz Police (831) 459-2231 ext. 1 Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Services (831) 454-7303 Department of Fish and Wildlife Main: (707) 944-5531 Local Area Contact: (408) 365-1066 Santa Cruz SPCA (831) 465-5000 Native Animal Rescue (831) 462-0726 Humane Wildlife Control (855) 548-6263 | Police regularly educate the campus community about relevant wildlife issues and wildlife safety awareness. Education and outreach include updates on the department web site, presentations, safety literature and communicating through the media in regard to pertinent animal issues. |
| Large Game Management | UC Santa Cruz Police (831) 459-2231 ext. 1* Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Services (831) 454-7303* Department of Fish and Wildlife Main: (707) 944-5531 Local Area Contact: (408) 365-1066* Humane Wildlife Control (855) 548-6263 *Will respond only if authorized by the Police Department | Police will coordinate with appropriate campus departments, state and county agencies to manage incidents as necessary. |
| Dead Animal Removal | UC Santa Cruz Work Order Desk (831) 459-4444 After hours (831) 459-2231 ext 1 | |
| Capturing and Containing At-large Animals | UC Santa Cruz Police contract with local organizations to capture or contain wild animals. Permits may be required through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before commencing these activities. | Possible situations include but are not limited to: Threat to health and/or safety of the campus community Threat to health and/or safety of wildlife |
| Injured Wildlife | UC Santa Cruz Police respond to reports of injured wildlife. UC Santa Cruz Police may refer situations involving wildlife to the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Santa Cruz County Animal Control or other local resources. | |
| Bat Rescue | Santa Cruz Bats (831) 421-2233 | Removal of injured/sick bats or bats trapped in buildings. Bat inspection/exclusion consultation. |
| Snakes | UC Santa Cruz Police may refer matters with snakes to a local resource. | |
| Mountain Lion Sightings | UC Santa Cruz Police may be called to address mountain lion sightings. The UC Santa Cruz Puma Project is regularly consulted as well. | Mountain Lion Sighting Information |
| Predatory Bird Issues | Predatory Bird Research Group (831) 459-2466 | |
| Issues with Livestock | UC Santa Cruz Police | Police have established procedures for handling livestock issues. |