The Animal Control Officers of Palo Alto Police Department provide complete Animal Control services to the cities of Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills. Animal Control can be contacted regarding matters such as stray animals; sick, injured, or dead animals (including wildlife); aggressive animals; animal bites; animal cruelty or neglect; animals in distress; livestock or pet show permits; and other animal related municipal code violations.

Since February 2019, Pets In Need operates the Palo Alto Animal Shelter located at 3281 East Bayshore Road. Pets in Need handles matters such as animal adoption; dog licensing; lost and found reports; spay & neuter clinic; vaccine clinics; animal surrender; cat trap rentals; feral cat management; volunteering; assistance and community outreach programs.