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1. Is it illegal for dogs to bite?

The law requires all animal bites that break the skin (with the exception of rodents) be reported to the animal control office in the jurisdiction where the bite occurred. If there is any question, please contact animal control at 303-271-5070.  Visit the animal control webpage for more information. Email Animal Control.

2. Is it illegal to harbor a female dog in heat?

In Jefferson County, it is unlawful to harbor a female dog in heat / season unless the dog is confined during such time in a house, building or secure enclosure so the dog does not create a neighborhood nuisance. A dog owner commits a Class II petty offense if he or she does not comply with this regulation.

Female dogs that have not been spayed can be expected to come into heat twice each year, and each cycle lasts about three weeks. During this time, the female dog must be properly confined.

Visit the Animal Control webpages for more information.

3. Where can my dog run off-leash?

Dogs allowed to roam the streets are a nuisance and dangerous to the public, and they are in constant danger from cars, irate people and other dogs. For these reasons, all dogs must be on a leash or confined on the owner's premises at all times. Dogs found in violation of the leash law may be detained by a citizen, turned over to animal control and impounded at the animal shelter. In addition to impound fees, owners can be issued a summons for a violation of county regulations.

For further see the Leash Law (PDF).  Please check signage posted at any park before allowing your dog to roam freely.  View the Animal Control webpage for more information.

4. Why should I license my dog?

Licensing reunites lost pets with their owners. A dog license can be traced 24 hours a day, every day of the year by an on-call animal control officer in any part of the county. The license information includes home and alternate phone numbers, a secondary person to contact in case of emergency and medical and dietary information for the dog. Before the dog license, owners were only required to have a current rabies tag on their pet. Rabies tags could only be traced through the issuing veterinary clinic and only when the clinic was open.

Visit the License Your Dog webpage for more information.