1. How can I adopt a pet?

   Our shelter cares for homeless animals until they can be matched with perfect forever homes. Please visit our shelter or view our adoptable animals to learn about available animals.

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2. Does my dog need a license?

   Yes, state and local laws require dogs over four months of age to be licensed each year.

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3. Who do I call to report a barking dog?

   The location of the barking dog determines who you need to call to report a barking dog. 

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4. Does my dog need a rabies vaccination?

   Yes, state and local laws require dogs over four months of age to be vaccinated against rabies every three years.

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1. Who is my District Supervisor?

   The county is divided into five districts that are approximately equal in population size.

   The Board of Supervisors is comprised of five members, each representing a specific constituency within the county. To find out which Board member represents your community, start by using our online tool to locate the district you live in.

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2. How do I contact the Board of Supervisors?

   You may contact the Board of Supervisors or contact the Supervisors individually:

   • Contact the Board of Supervisors
   • Contact Supervisor Susan Gorin, District 1
   • Contact Supervisor David Rabbitt, District 2
   • Contact Supervisor Shirlee Zane, District 3
   • Contact Supervisor James Gore, District 4
   • Contact Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, District 5

3. When does the Board of Supervisors meet?

   Board meetings are regularly scheduled each Tuesday. Please refer to our full meeting calendar for upcoming meetings. A description of the meeting format is available and the agenda is published online each week.

4. Where does the Board of Supervisors meet?

   Board meetings are held in the Supervisor's Chambers located at the County Administration Building:

   Address:
   Supervisor's Chambers
   Sonoma County Administration Building
   575 Administration Drive, Room 102 A
   Santa Rosa, CA 95403
   Google Maps^TM Directions

5. Where do I find the Board Meeting agenda?

   The agenda is posted online approximately one week prior to the upcoming meeting. If there are any addendums to the published description these are also posted, usually on the Friday preceding the meeting. A printed copy of the agenda and any addendums are also posted outside the Supervisor’s Chambers.

   Address:
   Supervisor's Chambers
   Sonoma County Administration Building
   575 Administration Drive, Room 100 A
   Santa Rosa, CA 95403
   Google Maps^TM Directions

6. Who and what is eligible for a Fee Waiver or Board Sponsorship?

   The Board may, at their sole discretion, approve or disapprove a fee waiver request. Fee waivers/board sponsorship may only be granted to Community Based Organizations, Non-Profits that provide a direct service that is similar to or complementary to a key county policy goal or supports a service that the county typically provides.

   Examples include: emergency or economic assistance or basic sustenance needs (emergency food, shelter, etc.). Governmental agencies that do not receive tax funding and can demonstrate an inability to pay a required county fee are eligible for a fee waiver/board sponsorship.

   County departments, other Governmental Agencies, unless they can demonstrate an inability to pay the county fee, and fund raising events where attendees pay a fee for admission to the event or in the case of festivals where vendors pay to participate in the event are not eligible.

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7. How do I appeal a Property Assessment?

   If you disagree with your property tax assessment, you have the right to file an Application for Changed Assessment.

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1. Where do I get immediate information during an emergency?

   The SoCo Emergency website is your "go-to" place to stay informed during a local emergency. Here you'll find realtime information in the event of an active emergency. From preparedness to recovery, this is the site to bookmark for a wealth of possible life-saving information.

   SoCo Emergency website

2. How do I prepare for an emergency?

   Emergency Responders may be unable to reach all citizens for various reasons and therefore it is essential that individuals and neighborhoods be prepared to be on their own for a minimum of 3 to 5 days. Information about survival kits, major threats and disaster myths is posted on the SoCoEmergency.org website.

   Learn more

3. Can I receive alerts on my cell phone about local emergencies?

   Yes, SoCoAlert is a service provided by the County will keep you informed of any action you may need to take during a local emergency.

   • Sign up now

   Another option is Nixle – Text your zip code to 888777 to opt-in or

   • sign up online to receive email, text or voice messages with alerts and advisories from local law enforcement.

   • Sign in to modify your location or settings
   • List of local agencies using Nixle

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1. How can I pay my property taxes?

   You may view your tax bill and pay your property taxes online. Property tax payments are also paid in the office or by U.S. mail.

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2. Can I get my property tax bill electronically?

   Yes! The County is now offering a property taxes e-billing service that allows you to receive your property tax bill via email.

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3. How do I appeal a Property Assessment?

   If you disagree with your property tax assessment, you have the right to file an Application for Changed Assessment.

   Learn More

4. Who and what is eligible for a Fee Waiver or Board Sponsorship?

   The Board may, at their sole discretion, approve or disapprove a fee waiver request. Fee waivers/board sponsorship may only be granted to Community Based Organizations, Non-Profits that provide a direct service that is similar to or complementary to a key county policy goal or supports a service that the county typically provides.

   Examples include: emergency or economic assistance or basic sustenance needs (emergency food, shelter, etc.). Governmental agencies that do not receive tax funding and can demonstrate an inability to pay a required county fee are eligible for a fee waiver/board sponsorship.

   County departments, other Governmental Agencies, unless they can demonstrate an inability to pay the county fee, and fund raising events where attendees pay a fee for admission to the event or in the case of festivals where vendors pay to participate in the event are not eligible.

   Learn more

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1. My family runs out of food and so we use food banks when needed. Is there a better way to ensure we have enough to eat?

   Sign up for CalFresh through the Economic Assistance Division. If you’re eligible for benefits, you’ll get funds added to an EBT card every month.

   Learn More

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1. I’d like to know what type of health care I can get. I don’t like having to use an emergency room when I’m sick.

   Get information and sign up for Medi-Cal, Covered California and the County Medical Services Program through the Economic Assistance Division. We can help you understand what program you’re eligible for.

   Learn more

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1. Where can I see the current County job opportunities?

   Explore our current job openings and career possibilities.

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2. What benefits are offered?

   The County offers comprehensive benefits to eligible employees, retirees and their dependents through strategic planning, negotiation and implementation of County benefit programs. Benefits include:

   • Medical, dental, and vision plan options;
   • Life & disability insurance;
   • Health and dependent care reimbursement accounts;
   • Patient advocacy;
   • Staff development and wellness programs; and
   • Employee assistance plans. 

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3. Where can I get information on labor agreements?

   The County of Sonoma is committed to providing accurate and timely information to Labor in negotiations, and to the public regarding negotiations within the allowable legal framework in a way that does not jeopardize the Labor-Management relationship.

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4. How can I search for jobs anywhere in Sonoma County?

   Job Link is your one-stop employment search, career support and job training service for residents aged 16 and older.

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1. How do I get a Marriage License?

   A marriage license must be purchased prior to a marriage ceremony occurring and may be obtained at the County Clerk's Office.

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2. Where can I find information about civil marriage ceremonies?

   Civil marriage ceremonies are offered in English and Spanish. Ceremonies are performed by the Deputy Marriage Commissioners employed by the County Clerk-Recorder's Office.

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3. How Can I Perform a Marriage Ceremony?

   Do you have a friend or family member whom you would like to have perform your marriage ceremony? If so, we may be able to assist you.

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4. Where can I get a certified copy of a Marriage License?

   Certified copies to establish identity are available through the County Clerk-Recorder's office but can be issued only to authorized individuals.

   All others will be issued Certified Informational Copies that are not valid to establish identity, and contain a legend on the face of the document that states, "Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity.".

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1. How do I reserve a campsite? 

   The Regional Parks feature year-round campgrounds on the beautiful Sonoma Coast and in the heart of Wine Country. Book your campsite online 24/7, by Phone at (707) 565-2267 or in person:

   Address:
   2300 County Center Drive, Suite 120A
   Santa Rosa, CA 95403
   Google MapsTM Directions

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2. Where can I find a county park?

   With more than 50 parks and trails, the Regional Parks offer something for everyone. Discover the landscapes of Sonoma County, from Petaluma to The Sea Ranch and Sonoma to Bodega Bay.

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1. My mom needs in-home care and care management at low- or no-cost. Where do we find help?

   Through the Adult & Aging Division, In-Home Supportive Services and our care management programs can help eligible older adults and disabled residents of all ages get help from paid caregivers who come to their home.

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1. Where can I get a certified copy of a Marriage License?

   Certified copies to establish identity are available through the County Clerk-Recorder's office but can be issued only to authorized individuals.

   All others will be issued Certified Informational Copies that are not valid to establish identity, and contain a legend on the face of the document that states, "Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity.".

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2. Where can I get a copy of a birth certificate?

   The County Clerk has birth certificates for births occurring in Sonoma County from 10/14/1855 to the present. If the birth occurred outside of Sonoma County, please contact the county where the birth occurred for more information.

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3. Where can I get a copy of death certificate?

   The County Clerk has death records for events occurring in Sonoma County from 1873 to the present.  If the death occurred outside of Sonoma County, please contact the county where the death occurred for more information.

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4. Where can I get information about divorce, annulment or legal separation?

   Please see the California Courts website for more information.

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