While we understand that animal noise can be disturbing, not all barking is illegal.   We encourage residents to submit an online Noisy Complaint Form when possible.  The complaint form can be filed with our department using the link located at the bottom of the page.  If you wish to remain anonymous, don't hesitate to contact the animal shelter at 951-736-2309.

1. Contacting the potential noisy animal owner to inform them that their animal is causing a nuisance. The owner of a barking dog often does not know the dog is barking for many different reasons. Owners of barking dogs are best dealt with as neighbors. Letting the owner know, on a personal level, that the dog’s noise is disrupting your life can be very effective. People that do not first attempt to solve the problem as neighbors often begin long term neighborhood feuds. Tell the person, very politely, in person, in writing or by phone exactly what the nature of the annoyance is. Communicate things such as "I can’t sleep"; "I can’t hear my television"; "I work nights and sleep days"; or "I can’t study because of the noise your dog is making." Neighborhood communication is a very important part of neighborhood security. Even that act of telling someone his or her dog is bothering you can further communication.

2. If you do not live in a residential neighborhood but a condo, apartment, townhome, mobile home, etc. or if you live on a property that falls under an HOA, contact the property manager or representative and inform them of the noisy animal. The first reaction of many people faced with a barking dog problem is to call the authorities. Believe it or not, this should be the last route taken to resolve the problem. This problem has been looked at nationally and the conclusions reached have been uniformly the same: This is a neighborhood problem. 

The County of Riverside Community Action Partnership offers a mediation service to citizens that reside within the county and is a great resource for those who are wanting to resolve civil issues. Mediation is a process through which disputants work together with the assistance of a neutral third party, trained in the technique of mediation, to arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement with regard to their conflict or dispute. The purpose of mediation is to settle disputes, not to assign blame, fault, or to legally represent either party. Mediation saves money, time, and allows a workable relationship, whereas the court procedure is time consuming, expensive, and places the parties in adversarial positions. 

For more information on their services, please visit: Dispute Resolution (capriverside.org)

Barking Dog/Noisy Animal Complaint Process

First Complaint (CMC 6.11.020) – Warning Notice and Compliance Period
Second Complaint (CMC 6.11.030) – Notice of Violation and Complaint Forms
Third Complaint (CMC 6.11.040) – Petition, Notice and Hearing

View Municipal Code Section 6.11 on Noisy Animals

Click here to submit a Barking Dog or Noisy Animal Complaint Form »