Administrative Office:
321 University Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Izzat Melhem, Acting Director
(215) 685-7492
FAX: (215) 382-1210

Environmental Health Services works to provide a safe and healthy environment for the city of Philadelphia.  This is accomplished through the investigation and abatement of rat infestations and through the operation of programs for animal management, issuance of dog licenses, regulation and inspection of conditions in restaurants and other food establishments, and the regulation and inspection of public and private institutions 

The Philadelphia Food Protection Program is changing to a Risk Based Approach.  Very shortly the inspection report form and inspection process used by Philadelphia sanitarians will change to reflect a risk based approach when food operations are evaluated.  The inspection report will now indicate the types of food handling activity that occurs at an establishment and the current status in regard to compliance.  This approach will give a much more detailed evaluation of how the establishment is meeting food safety goals and requirements.  More information available: Introduction to a Risk Based Food Inspection Program and inspection form.

What You Should Know - During a flood and its aftermath.  Here are some health, safety, and mold prevention resources that will help protect your personal health and safety.

Centers for Disease Control - Floods Homepage

Centers for Disease Control - Clean-up Safely after a Natural Disaster Homepage

EPA - Flood Clean-up Factsheet

EPA - Septic Systems - What to do After a Flood

National Ag Safety Database - Home Clean-up and Sanitation Safely, Cleaning a Flood Damaged Home

To download disaster safety tips, click HERE.

To download flood cleanup tips, click HERE.

Information About the City's Smoking Ban

Eligibility
Any resident of Philadelphia can receive services.

Language Accessibility
English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Hindi, French, Portugese

Any resident of Philadelphia can access EHS services by calling one of the numbers listed below.

For rat complaints contact Vector Control:
Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30pm - (215) 685-9000

For mosquito complaints, contact Vector Control:
Monday-Friday, (215) 685-9027 between 8:30 AM and 4:30 pm

For information on West Nile virus, please visit the following web site: www.westnile.state.pa.us.

For complaints about wild animals, excessive dogs and cats, or carriage horse issues, contact Animal Management:
Monday-Sunday, 24 hours - (267) 385-3800, or The Philadelphia SPCA at (215) 426-6300.

For information about dog licensing, contact Animal Licensing Office:
Monday-Sunday, 24 hours - (215) 683- LOST.

For restaurant and food store complaints or to report food poisoning, contact the Food Protection Office:
Monday-Sunday, 24 hours - (215) 685-7495

For changes in ownership; opening a new food establishment; modifying or altering an existing food establishment or its operation use the Plan Review Program weblink for important information and reference materials.  Contact Food Protection Office (Plan Review) Monday-Sunday, 24 hours (215) 685-7495

For complaints about unsafe or unhealthful conditions in nursing homes, hospitals, day centers, boarding homes, swimming pools or schools, contact Environmental Engineering:
Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30pm - (215) 685-7342