Animal Control Regulations
Leash laws, barking ordinances, dog licensing, and other animal regulations for unincorporated Jefferson County.
These regulations summarize the key rules enforced by Animal Control. For the complete legal text, see the Animal Control Ordinance (CC24-042).
In unincorporated Jefferson County, all dogs must be on-leash or securely confined at all times.
Key Requirements
- Dogs must be on a leash while off the owner's property unless in a sanctioned off-leash park
- Owners are responsible for keeping dogs from trespassing on others' property
- Dogs must be confined to the owner's property by leash, fence, or other secure means
Fines
Leash law violations are a petty offense. Fines escalate for repeated violations.
Jefferson County Animal Control Regulation prohibits a dog from disturbing the peace of any person residing in the immediate area by loud, habitual and persistent barking, howling, yelping, or whining, whether the dog is on or off the dog owner's premises.
Animal Control strongly recommends talking face to face with the dog's owner as a first step before filing a formal complaint.
Formal Complaint Process
Two signed complaints from separate households are required. Animal Control does not act on anonymous complaints. Each complaint must include:
- Your name, address, and phone number
- Address where the barking dog is located
- Description of the dog(s)
- Most recent date and duration of the disturbance
- How you know the source of the barking
Resolution Steps
- Animal Control may mail a letter to the dog owner
- A warning may be posted at the property
- Complainant may sign a complaint for summons
Fines
Fines range from $100 to $300 depending on the number of prior offenses.
Common Causes of Barking
- Boredom: Supply chew toys, bones, or a ball to keep your dog occupied while you are away
- Loneliness: Many dogs bark because they want company — this is a sign the dog needs more social interaction
- Restricted freedom: A dog chained continuously in a small area will tend to become aggressive and bark at the slightest sound or movement
- Territorial: Some barking is natural, but consistent habitual barking is a sign of an unruly dog — teach your dog to alert you and then sit quietly
If Your Dog Is the Problem Barker
- Bring your dog inside when you leave — many dogs bark continually once you are gone. If you do not want your dog to have the run of the house, contain it in a certain area such as a basement or laundry room
- When your dog starts to bark, find out what is causing the problem — do not ignore it
- Provide daily exercise, companionship, toys, and indoor time
- Consider positive-reinforcement training classes or a qualified obedience instructor
- A tired dog is a quiet dog — dog-walkers or daycare can help busy owners
If you are too busy to spend time with your dog every day, you are probably too busy to own a dog.
A Cure
The best thing you can do to correct this problem is work on training the dog. For specific directions, contact a qualified obedience instructor. Spend time with your dog and include him in your daily activities. Remember, you are his only means of exercise and love.
All dogs four months of age or older residing in unincorporated Jefferson County must be licensed annually. Licensing helps reunite lost dogs with their owners and ensures rabies vaccinations are current. A rabies certificate is required as proof for licensing and serves as proof of ownership.
Requirements
- Dogs must be 4 months or older
- Current rabies vaccination certificate is required
- License must be renewed annually
- License tag must be attached to the dog's collar
- Dogs residing in the county 30 or more days per year
How to License Your Dog
License your dog online through Foothills Animal Shelter or contact Animal Control at (303) 271-5070 for assistance. Licensing questions? Contact licensing@foothillsanimalshelter.org or (303) 278-7575.
Where Your Fee Goes
100% of the license fee goes to Foothills Animal Shelter. The Sheriff's Office receives none of the licensing revenue.
Benefits of Licensing
- If an Animal Control Officer finds your lost pet with a license, they will contact you immediately — in many cases, they will bring your pet directly home
- Cats and other pets can be voluntarily licensed through the Foothills Animal Shelter licensing program
Fines
$50 fine for no license. $50 fine for not displaying the license tag on the dog's collar.
Animal cruelty and neglect are taken very seriously. Per CRS 18-9-202, it is unlawful for a person to knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence, overdrive, overload, overwork, torture, torment, deprive of necessary sustenance, unnecessarily or cruelly beat, needlessly mutilate, needlessly kill, carry in or upon any vehicle in a cruel manner, or otherwise mistreat or neglect any animal.
Owner Responsibilities
- Provide adequate food and clean water daily
- Provide shelter from weather (shade in summer, insulated shelter in winter)
- Provide regular exercise and socialization
- Provide necessary veterinary care
- Keep animals in sanitary living conditions
Report Cruelty or Neglect
Intentional acts of cruelty will be vigorously prosecuted. If you witness animal cruelty or neglect, call Animal Control at (303) 271-5070. For animals in immediate danger, call 911. You can also report online.
Any animal bite that breaks the skin must be reported to Animal Control. The biting animal will be monitored for a 10-day quarantine period to check for signs of rabies.
If You Are Bitten
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and water
- Seek medical attention
- Report the bite to Animal Control at (303) 271-5070
- Try to identify the animal and its owner if possible
Leaving a pet in a hot car is a misdemeanor in Colorado. If the temperature is warmer than 72°F, leave your dog at home unless they can accompany you inside. Never let dogs ride loose in pickup truck beds — use a secured, weather-proof kennel.
Penalties
- Summons for animal cruelty
- Fine of $500 to $5,000 and/or 6 to 24 months in jail
Concerned About a Pet in a Hot Car?
Call Animal Control at (303) 271-5070 or the Jefferson County non-emergency line at (303) 980-7300. Familiarize yourself with Colorado's Good Samaritan Law.
No off-leash dog parks exist in unincorporated Jefferson County. Nearby options include Westminster Hills, Ulysses Park, Chatfield, and more. Outside designated off-leash parks, a leash is mandatory. Leashing protects wildlife, prevents trail erosion, and avoids conflicts with other people and animals.
Key Points
- Off-leash tickets start at $50 per dog
- All dogs 4 months and older must wear a county license tag when off the owner's property
- Failure to display a license tag is a $50 fine
A dog is considered "at large" when it is off the owner's property, not under control, and the owner is not within sight. Dogs at large face risks including traffic, wildlife encounters, confrontations with angry residents, fines, and impoundment.
Penalties
Dog at large is a petty offense. Fines escalate up to $300 plus impound fees for repeated violations.
Prevention
- Spay or neuter your dog (reduces roaming instinct)
- Obedience and kennel training
- Provide regular companionship and exercise
- Consider "invisible" or hot-wire fencing
Cats are considered free-roaming animals and the leash law does not apply to them. There is no law in unincorporated Jefferson County that pertains to loose or roaming cats.
Trapping & Impoundment
Citizens can legally trap a cat with a live, humane trap on their own property and take the animal to the Foothills Animal Shelter. The cat owner must then come to the shelter and pay the impound fees.
Recommendations for Cat Owners
- Keep your cats contained on your own property to avoid pet injury or death, not to mention the nuisance cats can cause to your neighbors
- Cats should be vaccinated for rabies annually and wear an identification tag
- Animal Control will impound cats that have bitten a person, or are sick or injured
Have Questions?
Contact Animal Control at (303) 271-5070 or reach us online.