Sonoma County Cities Cut Ties with North Bay Animal Services

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Several Sonoma County cities, including Sebastopol, Windsor, and Cloverdale, are moving to end their contracts with North Bay Animal Services by the end of March 2026. This follows a 2025 grand jury report that criticized the agency's compliance with animal welfare laws. The cities are transitioning to using the Humane Society of Sonoma County on an interim basis as they search for a new long-term animal control provider, though officials warn this will likely come with higher costs for local taxpayers in the short term.

Why it matters

The decision by these Sonoma County cities to sever ties with North Bay Animal Services reflects growing concerns over the agency's adherence to animal welfare standards. This move aims to address these operational issues, but it also highlights the challenges local governments face in ensuring proper animal care and control services for their communities.

The details

Leaders in Sebastopol, Windsor, and Cloverdale have decided to transition their animal control needs to the Humane Society of Sonoma County on an interim basis as they search for a new long-term provider. This comes after a 2025 grand jury report that criticized North Bay Animal Services' compliance with animal welfare laws. While the shift to the Humane Society is expected to be more costly for local taxpayers in the short term, officials say it is necessary to address the serious operational concerns with the previous provider.

• The cities are moving to cut ties with North Bay Animal Services by the end of March 2026.
• A 2025 grand jury report criticized North Bay Animal Services' compliance with animal welfare laws.

What’s next

The cities will be searching for a new long-term animal control provider to replace North Bay Animal Services, a process that is expected to take several months.