Resources for Stray Animals

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We understand how concerning it can be to find a stray animal, and we appreciate the compassion it takes to step in and help. Unfortunately, Beacon Veterinary Specialists does not accept stray animals for intake.

Stray animals — especially when there is a risk of rabies exposure — are considered a public health matter. By law, these situations must be handled by Animal Control and the County Department of Public Health, not private veterinary hospitals.

What You Should Do Next?

If the animal is injured or stray but not a bite risk, please contact one of the following resources:

Newark City Animal Control:

(510) 578-4237

37077 Newark Boulevard, Newark, CA

Union City Animal Control:

(510) 471-1365

34009 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Union City, CA

City of Fremont Animal Control and Tri-City Animal Shelter:

(510) 790-6630

1950 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont, CA

If someone has been bitten or scratched:

Please seek medical attention immediately and notify Animal Control or the Alameda County Department of Public Health right away. Rabies prevention and testing are managed by those agencies. Contact information for Alameda County Vector Control is below:

 

Local rescues may help with non-emergency strays. They are independent of Beacon, and policies vary, so please call ahead. You may also consider contacting other emergency veterinary hospitals. Please be aware that each hospital has its own policies regarding the acceptance and care of stray or found animals. We recommend calling ahead to confirm whether they are able to help and what requirements or responsibilities may apply.

Ensuring these cases go directly to the proper agencies helps protect both people and animals, and it ensures that rabies testing and public health follow-up are done correctly.

At Beacon Veterinary Specialists, our focus is on providing emergency and specialty medical care for owned patients. By setting this boundary, we’re able to preserve the care we provide to the community while making sure strays are directed to the agencies best equipped to handle them.

Thank you again for your compassion and for taking the time to help. Please scan the QR code or visit the “For Pet Owners” tab on our website for additional resources.