Santa Paula animal control officer outlines how to reunite lost pets

Javier Monzonares, animal control officer with the Santa Paula Police Department, described steps residents should take if a pet is lost and how the animal control unit works to reunite animals with their owners.

Monzonares said owners should contact Santa Paula Animal Control right away with a description of the pet, the last known location and contact information so staff can identify and match found animals. He recommended checking local shelters, securing found animals safely, checking for ID tags or microchips, and sharing photos and details in the neighborhood.

Monzonares asked owners to license their animals and to keep recent photos on hand. He provided the department's contact information and hours: Santa Paula Animal Control at 214 South 10th Street, phone (805) 525-4474, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; for after-hours emergencies residents should call Santa Paula Police dispatch at the same number.