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Are you ready to make the pledge to be a responsible pet owner? It's quick and easy. Those making the pledge will automatically be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one (1) free dog license registration from the City for one year.

“The City is responding to the concerns of residents by launching this public education campaign to encourage responsible pet ownership,” said interim City Manager John Jalili. “Pet waste is a major source of water pollution and a potential health hazard. We ask everyone to join us in improving our water quality, protecting public health and keeping Hermosa beautiful by doing their part in properly disposing pet waste.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified pet waste as a source of water pollution that can cause a health hazard for swimmers, surfers and others in ocean. The EPA says pet waste contributes nitrogen, phosphorus, parasites and bacteria to water bodies when it is not disposed of properly. Researchers also have found that pet waste left on urban streets and sidewalks can cause illness in children and adults who come in contact with the contamination.

• Free bags for removing pet waste are available throughout Hermosa Beach at many of the City’s parks and along the Strand and Greenbelt. The GoHermosa! App also has a place for people to report when the City’s pet waste bag dispensers are empty.
• The City of Hermosa Beach also sweeps daily and steam cleans the Strand on a monthly basis to remove pet waste and other contaminants.
• Per Hermosa Beach Municipal Code 6.04.100, all pet owners are required to carry pet waste disposal bags with them when walking their pets and for those bags to be visible. The municipal code also requires all pet owners to dispose of all pet waste properly. Failure to carry a bag or to pick up after a pet can result in a $25 fine for each of these offenses.

Founded in 1907, Hermosa Beach is a thriving community of some 20,000 residents. Located on the southern end of the Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles County, with beaches ranked among the best in the world, Hermosa Beach has been recognized for its work to highlight Southern California beach culture, foster a vibrant local economy and protect coastal and environmental resources.