Provide insulated shelter with a wind-proof opening, door flap, and dry bedding (blankets or straw), facing away from prevailing wind
Doghouse should be dry and elevated, small enough to be warmed by body heat but large enough for the dog to stand and turn around
Short-coated breeds (greyhounds, beagles, labs) may not tolerate extreme cold even with shelter; small breeds (chihuahuas, dachshunds, terriers) are also cold-intolerant
When temperatures dip below 20°F, keep dogs indoors even if a doghouse is provided; short-haired dogs, puppies, and cats should be kept indoors at 40°F or below
Use a heated water bowl in winter — ice and snow are not sufficient hydration; use a tip-proof bowl in summer
Remove snow piled near fences — dogs can use it to jump over
Wipe snow, ice, salt, and chemicals from coats and paws when coming inside
Check paw pads for cracks and redness between toes; use petroleum jelly or booties for protection
Use pet-friendly ice melts when possible
Keep dangerous chemicals (snow/ice remover, antifreeze) out of reach
Check under the hood of outdoor vehicles — stray cats shelter near warm engines
Don't shave your dog down to the skin in winter; consider a coat or sweater for short-haired breeds

Hot Weather

Pavement test: if you can't hold the back of your hand on the ground for a count of five, it's too hot for your dog's paws
Offer water frequently and avoid parks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the hottest part of the year
Cooling tip: dip a bandanna in cool water and place on paw pads, armpits, eye areas, and belly
Heatstroke signs: rapid panting, bright red tongue, increased heart rate, and thick sticky saliva
If heat distress: move to shade, offer cool water, apply cool wet cloths to feet, stomach, and head, fan air over the dog, and get to a vet immediately
Do not submerge in water, use ice, or force-feed water
Heavy-coated breeds (huskies, chows) are more susceptible to overheating
Even with cooling treatment, go directly to an emergency vet

Never Leave Pets in Vehicles

Temperatures inside a vehicle can reach 120°F in a matter of minutes, even if temperatures are mild and windows are open. Dogs don't sweat like humans — they primarily release heat by panting, making them especially vulnerable.

If you see a pet in a hot car, call (303) 271-5070 or (303) 980-7300 and familiarize yourself with the Good Samaritan Law.

Penalties: summons for animal cruelty, fine of $500–$5,000 and/or 6–24 months in jail.

Colorado Good Samaritan Law (C.R.S. § 13-21-108.4(2))

A person is immune from civil and criminal liability for property damage resulting from his or her forcible entry into a locked vehicle if:

(a) The vehicle is not a law enforcement vehicle; and
(b) An at-risk person or animal is present in the vehicle and the person rendering assistance has a reasonable belief that the at-risk person or animal is in imminent danger of death or suffering serious bodily injury; and
(c) The vehicle is locked and that forcible entry is necessary; and
(d) The person makes a reasonable effort to locate the owner or operator of the vehicle and documents the color, make, model, license plate number, and location of the vehicle; and
(e) The person contacts a local law enforcement agency, the fire department, animal control, or a 911 operator prior to forcibly entering the vehicle, and the person does not interfere with, hinder, or fail to obey a lawful order of any person duly empowered with police authority or other first responder duties who is discharging or apparently discharging his or her duties; and
(f) The person uses no more force than he or she believes is reasonably necessary; and
(g) The person rendering assistance remains with the at-risk person or animal, reasonably close to the vehicle, until a law enforcement officer, emergency medical service provider, animal control officer, or other first responder arrives at the scene.

Source: Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-108.4(2).

Preventing Dogs at Large

Keep Your Dog Safe at Home

Spay or neuter your pet — reduces the instinct to roam
Invest in obedience and kennel training
Provide regular companionship and enrichment
Securely fence your yard
Remove snow piled near fences — dogs can use it to jump over and escape

Off-Leash Dog Parks

Beaver Ranch Park — Off-Leash Area

11372 Co Rd 97, Conifer, CO 80433 — the one designated off-leash park in unincorporated Jefferson County. Elsewhere in unincorporated Jeffco, dogs must be on-leash or securely confined at all times per the leash law.

Get directions

Other Nearby Off-Leash Options

Several neighboring areas offer off-leash dog parks:

Westminster Hills

Get directions to Westminster Hills (opens in new tab)

Ulysses Park

Get directions to Ulysses Park (opens in new tab)

Chatfield

Get directions to Chatfield (opens in new tab)

West Arvada Dog Park

Get directions to West Arvada Dog Park (opens in new tab)

Wynetka Ponds Park

Get directions to Wynetka Ponds Park (opens in new tab)

Tony Grampsas Dog Park

Get directions to Tony Grampsas Dog Park (opens in new tab)

Forsberg Dog Park

Get directions to Forsberg Dog Park (opens in new tab)

Spay & Neuter

Benefits

Health: lowers risk of mammary, uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancers; can extend lifespan
Behavior: reduces roaming, aggression, spraying, and mounting
Timing: typically 6–12 months of age, but adult pets still benefit

Low-Cost Options

Spay Today — (303) 984-7729
Planned Pethood — (303) 433-3291
Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund — check the box on your state tax return: coloradopetfund.org

There Is No Poop Fairy

Like the Loch Ness monster or Bigfoot, the fabled poop fairy has been the stuff of legend — said to follow behind dogs and their owners, picking up what the dog left behind. In response to growing complaints, the Jefferson County Animal Control office has partnered with local park districts and homeowner associations to set the record straight.

Dog waste doesn't biodegrade like wild animal waste — domesticated dogs have a different diet that makes their waste harmful to the environment. It contains dangerous organisms including E. coli, Giardia, Salmonella, roundworms, hookworms, and Cryptosporidium. Left uncollected, it pollutes groundwater and harms creek and river ecosystems.

Carry bags on every walk — attach a dispenser to the leash
Pick up immediately — don't plan to “come back for it”
Dispose properly — use trash cans, not storm drains
Clean your yard regularly to prevent buildup and odor

Jefferson County ordinance: failure to clean up dog feces in public places is a petty offense with a fine of at least $150.

Need Help?

Contact Animal Control at (303) 271-5070 or reach us online.