Pets & Animal Control

We all love our pets. It is important to remember that being a pet owner carries responsibility to ensure that the pet is safe, and that the pet does not harm other pets, people or property.

St. Johns County has specific regulations related to animal control, contained in County Ordinance 2017-36.

The owner of an animal is responsible to ensure that the animal does not run loose or stray onto public or private (without permission) property, including any public street, sidewalk, beach, or right-of-way.  

All animals that are off the property of its owner must be leashed or otherwise restrained in a manner appropriate for the breed and type of animal. The animal must remain under the direct control of the owner or walker.   (This does not apply to a dog in a dog park.)

An animal is considered a public nuisance when it engages in any of the following behaviors on four or more occasions:  

1. Running at large 

2. Chasing or molesting vehicles 

3. Chasing or molesting passers-by 

4. Spreading trash or garbage on premises other than those of its ·owner or possessor 

5. Excreting feces on property not belonging to its owner or possessor when the owner or possessor fails to remove the waste 

6. Causing frequent, habitual, or long continued noise in violation of St. Johns County Ordinance No. 2015-19, except where the animal was intentionally provoked to make such noise by any person.

There is additional information on the St. Johns County Animal Control website. 

If you have additional questions, contact Animal Control at (904) 209-6190.