San Diego Wildlife Ordinances & Trapping Liability
San Diego’s intricate network of coastal canyons, protected reserves like Mission Trails, and the sprawling footprint of Balboa Park create major wildlife corridors directly adjacent to urban housing. Skunks, raccoons, coyotes, and Roof Rats frequently use these canyon edges to migrate from open brush into residential attics and backyards.
The greatest liability for San Diego homeowners isn’t property damage; it is the legal exposure of handling nuisance wildlife illegally. If you rent, attempting DIY trapping or exclusion can violate your lease, while landlords have strict legal duties to perform structural exclusion (see our San Diego Tenant Rights Guide). For severe cases involving financial hardship, explore San Diego Pest Assistance Programs.
The California Catch & Dump Ban: Under California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 465.5, it is strictly illegal to trap and relocate furbearing mammals (raccoons, skunks, opossums) off your property. Legally trapped animals must be either released immediately on the site where caught or euthanized.
San Diego Wildlife Navigation:
Unlicensed Trappers in Canyons & Coastal Neighborhoods
Avoid “budget” handyman trappers offering cheap trap-and-release services in La Jolla, Point Loma, or Tierrasanta. If an unlicensed individual captures a skunk on your property and illegally dumps it in a canyon or county park, the Department of Fish & Wildlife can trace the liability back to you. Professionals must hold a CDFW Trapping License AND a Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) Branch 2 license to seal the access points legally.
Jurisdiction Warning: City vs. County Services
Animal control services for the incorporated City of San Diego are provided by the San Diego Humane Society (under contract with the city). If you live in an unincorporated area or an independent municipality, you must rely on the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services or another designated provider. Always verify your exact municipality before reporting.
State Law & Municipal Overlap
“(g)(1) Immediate Dispatch or Release. All furbearing and nongame mammals that are legal to trap must be immediately killed or released. Unless released, trapped animals shall be killed by shooting where local ordinances, landowners, and safety permit… (h) Relocation. It is unlawful to relocate any trapped furbearing or nongame mammal.”
3 Authorities Managing San Diego Wildlife
City, County, and State authorities divide wildlife management based on the severity of the threat and its location. Use the matrix tool below to identify who to call.
Jurisdiction & Liability Matrix
Detailed San Diego Authority Directory
San Diego Humane Society (Law Enforcement)
Local / CityThe San Diego Humane Society provides animal services under contract for the City of San Diego and several surrounding cities. They respond to wildlife calls only if the animal is visibly sick, injured, or poses an immediate public safety threat (e.g., inside the living area of a home).
Jurisdiction Limits:- Will NOT enter attics, crawlspaces, or walls to remove healthy nuisance wildlife.
- Will NOT trap healthy coyotes roaming through neighborhoods.
County of San Diego Vector Control Program
County / RegionalThe County’s Vector Control Program handles outbreaks of disease-carrying pests. If you have a severe exterior rat infestation spreading from public alleys, overgrown neighboring lots, or standing water breeding mosquitoes, they enforce abatement and provide inspections.
Jurisdiction Limits:- Will inspect exterior neighborhood complaints and advise homeowners.
- Will NOT bait or trap rats inside your private home.
CA Dept of Fish & Wildlife (South Coast Region)
StateCDFW enforces Title 14 trapping laws statewide. They are the overarching authority for large predators and manage the licensing for all commercial trappers operating in San Diego. They step in when urban wildlife poses a severe, systemic threat that local municipalities cannot handle.
Jurisdiction Limits:- Strictly handles large predator incidents and poaching.
- Enforces illegal “catch and dump” violations by unlicensed trappers.
San Diego Wildlife Trapping & Liability FAQ
No. California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 465.5 makes it illegal to relocate wildlife off your property. Trapped animals must be euthanized or released immediately on the exact property where they were caught to prevent the spread of disease to native populations in protected areas.
Coyotes are native and frequent the canyon networks in San Diego. The Humane Society or County Animal Services will generally only respond if a coyote is actively attacking a person or pet. For general sightings, secure your trash and remove outdoor pet food. For aggressive pack behavior, contact the CDFW.
No. San Diego Humane Society does not perform structural evictions on private property. You must hire a licensed private trapper who holds a CDFW trapping license and a Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) Branch 2 license to safely seal the access points. If you rent, your landlord is responsible under California habitability laws; see our San Diego tenant rights guide for details.
Need a Fully Permitted Wildlife Professional?
Do not hire unpermitted handymen. Ensure your contractor holds both an SPCB Branch 2 license and a CDFW Trapping Permit to avoid legal liability for illegal dumping.
View Verified San Diego Exterminators & Trappers