Knowledge Base

IMPORTANT! Police officers no longer respond to barking dog complaints.

Habitually barking dogs are considered a nuisance under San Mateo Municipal Code 8.02.070(c).

Complaints must follow the process outlined in the Barking Dog packet available on the City of San Mateo website. Residents should first try resolving the issue directly with the dog owner or through mediation.

If the problem continues, the packet explains how to document the barking—keeping a log of dates and times and collecting supporting evidence, such as date-stamped audio recordings—and submit the completed packet to the San Mateo City Attorney’s Office for review and possible enforcement action.