Policy Text
San Francisco Police Department 6.07
GENERAL ORDER Rev. 06/04/25
Eff. 07/ 18/25
Page 1 of 3
Dog Complaints
6.07.01 PURPOSE
This order establishes policies regarding the safe and appropriate response to emergency and
non-emergency dog -related situations.
6.07.02 DEFINITIONS
A. Biting Dog – “Any dog that bites any person or other animal in the City and County of San Francisco, provided, however, that the person or animal bitten was not at the time either provoking or teasing the dog without cause” ( SF Health Code §41.5.1).
B. Unleashed Dog – “ It shall be unlawful for the owner or guardian of any animal ...to permit
said animal to run at large [not under restraint by a leash, rope, or chain of not more than eight feet] within the City and County ...” (SF Health Code §41.12(a) ).
C. Vicious Dog – “…any dog that when unprovoked inflicts bites or attacks a human being or domestic animal either on public or private property, or in a vicious or terrorizing manner, approaches any person in apparent attitude of attack upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds or places; or any dog with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack unprovoked, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals; or any dog which engages in, or is found to have been trained to engage in exhibitions of dog fighting; or any dog at large found to attack,
menace, chase, display threatening or aggressive behavior or otherwise threaten or endanger the safety of any domestic animal or person” ( SF Health Code §42(a)(1 -4)).
6.07.0 3 POLICY
The San Francisco Police Department shall effectively and efficiently handle various types of dog complaints, including the investigation and processing of complaints, while ensuring the rights of individuals as defined in the United State Constitution, Fe deral, State, and local laws are
followed.
6.07.0 4 PROCEDURE
A. Unleashed Dog – Me mbers should cite or admonish and educate the owner or guardian
of the dog regarding San Francisco leash law s (SF Health Code §41.12(a) ).
B. Barking Dog – the Department does not respond to calls about barking dogs , unless
assistance is requested by Animal Care and Control (ACC) . Members of the public may
report a barking dog via the 311 Customer Service Center .
DGO 6.07
Rev. 06/ 04/25
Eff. 07/ 18/25
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C. Biting Dog- When a person has been bitten by a dog, follow these procedures:
1. Arrange for m edical t reatment . If medical treatment is refused, the member shall
complete the Animal Bite Report form (SFPD Form 573) .
a. In the event of a severe injury or death , members will immediately
contact the ir direct supervisor, the D epartment O perations C enter , and
the Vicious and Dangerous Dog Unit ( VDDU) Officer.
2. Citation /Arrest – Follow DGO 5.0 4, Arrest by Private Persons and DGO 5.06,
Citation Release as appropriate.
3. Quarantine – Inform the owner that the dog must be quarantined for 10 days, and
they must notify ACC if the dog becomes sick, dies, or gets lost.
a. If the owner cannot quarantine their dog for any reason, contact ACC or
VDDU.
4. Evidence – Take photographs of the injuries and book as evidence.
a. Where possible, members should take photos of the dog’s owner and
look for and obtain surveillance video of the incident.
5. Notify ACC – Member s shall contact ACC Dispatch at the scene of all incidents
regardless of response.
6. Complete Forms
a. Email SFPD Form 573 to ACC (ACCDispatch@sfgov.org), if completed
by member.
b. Complete incident report and note proof of ACC notification .
i. Assign and email incident report to VDDU
(SFPDdangerousdogs@sfgov.org) , regardless of whether there was
a puncture wound.
D. Vicious and Dangerous Dog – In addition to the steps for Biting Dog, members will:
1. Immediately impound dog, if necessary , and stay on scene until ACC arrives .
2. Notify VDDU about the incident.
3. Follow the procedure for After -Hours Response and Notification as necessary.
E. After -Hours Response and Notification
1. Possession of Dog
a. If the dog can be controlled and safely transported, member s shall :
i. Take possession of the dog. ACC will retrieve the dog when they
have coverage, or members may transport the dog to ACC during
their regular business hours (0600- 0000 HRS) .
ii. Transport the dog to SAGE Veterinary Center located at 600
Alabama St. (415) 566- 0540.
DGO 6.07
Rev. 06/ 04/25
Eff. 07/ 18/25
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b. If the dog cannot be safely transported, attempt to confine the dog in a
space where it can do no further harm to the public and alert ACC during
regular work hours.
2. Notif ication
a. ACC – L eave a message with ACC Dispatch.
b. VDDU