In Denver, Colorado the local government requires those looking to adopt a dog or cat to register their animal and obtain a Denver pet license. This is in an effort to help decrease the number of stray animals in the state! It also ensures lost pets in Denver can be quickly reunited with their families.
If you are looking to find out how to register your dog in Denver - we have you covered! Below we have detailed everything you need to know about paper, requirements, fees, and more in regards to getting a pet license and registering your dog in Denver.
How Soon do you Need to Get your Dog Licensed in Denver?
Under the Denver Revised Municipal Code, all dogs over the age of 6 months are required to get licensed within 30 days of being in the city.
Can I Register my Dog Online in Denver?
Yes! You can register your dog online with Denver. You can do this through their website. You will need to provide all your paperwork online so you can submit it through their portal or send it via fax. Keep in mind, that there is a $1.95 convenience fee that is applicable for each transaction made online.
Can I License my Dog in Person in Denver?
If you prefer to have an in-person pet license appointment you can visit the Denver Animal Shelter on Bayuad Street. Keep in mind, it takes around 30 minutes to complete an application for a pet license so plan accordingly.
The Denver Animal Shelter is open Mondays through Friday from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. They are closed city-wide during government-observed holidays.
Can I License my Dog by Mail in Denver?
Want to know how to license your dog by mail in Denver? You can make copies of all the required documents and send them in. You will also need a check or a money order to pay the required fee.
What Documents do I need to Register my Dog in Denver?
You will need several standard documents to apply to register your pet in Denver. It is important to note that none of the paperwork submitted will be returned so be sure to only provide copies of your dog's papers.
You will need an up-to-date rabies vaccination for any animals old enough to receive one (dogs four to six months of age are eligible for rabies vaccination). You will also need your correct address and pet information on the rabies certificate.
If your dog is spayed or neutered, please provide a copy of the spay/neuter certificate. The city of Denver requires all animals over 6 months of age to be spayed or neutered.
Proof of age is required from anyone over the age of 65 as they will be given one pet license free of charge!
If your dog is a service animal you will need to provide additional paperwork in order to have them registered as such in the city of Denver.
What Does it Cost to Register a Dog in Denver?
The fee you will have to pay to license your dog in Denver will depend on a few factors. Those factors include your age, the length of the license, and whether or not you are registering your dog as a service animal. The fees for a pet license in Denver are:
One-Year License for Dogs: $15.00
Three-Year License for Dogs: $40.00
Lifetime License for Dogs: $150.00
Replacement Tag: $6.00 or free of charge at the Denver Animal Shelter
Senior Citizens (Age 65+): Free with provided proof of age
Service Animals: Free with the required paperwork
What about Denver Breed Restrictions?
Up until 2020, bully breed dogs like Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers were not allowed to register in the city of Denver. However, local legislation was passed thanks to the voters of Denver to change this dated rule!
Now, for owners looking to get a permit for their pitbull in Denver, Denver Animal Protection can provide a Breed Restricted Permit to do so at the Denver Animal shelter located on West Bayaud Avenue. The process takes about 45 minutes and costs $25. The permit itself costs $30. These fees are separate from the standard pet license, which you still will need to apply for and pay for.
When it is time for your breed restricted permit assessment, the agency will review your dog's history and assess particular behaviors. If they pass the assessment and pay the fees your dog has the permit for three years. After three years, if your dog has not run into any trouble with local authorities, owners may request to be removed from the breed-restricted requirements.
At Suzie's, many of us own bully breed dogs and hope that this breed-restricted permit will hopefully not be around too long. However, we are happy to help pit bull owners figure out how to obtain the permit in the meantime!
How to Renew a Pet Licesnece in Denver?
If you are looking to renew a pet license in Denver you have likely received a renewal notice from the city of Denver. First, you will need to make sure your dog's rabies vaccination has not expired and will not be anytime soon. Then, you can quickly upload their documents and pay online to have your pet license renewed.
Can a Pet License be Revoked?
There are a few reasons that a pet license could be revoked. But do not worry, they are easy to avoid! The first is if there is a report of a bite from your dog to another animal or human. The second reason a license could be revoked is if a rabies vaccination is not updated. The last reason is if you fail to spay or neuter your pet within six months.
Pet licenses in Denver are generally seldom revoked. Do not worry if you feel there is a reason you may have your license revoked wrongly, you can typically appeal the decision. If you are successful then you can re-apply for a pet license.
How Do you Get your Pet License Tag?
When you get your pet registered in Denver you will receive a metal license tag that is permanently assigned to your pet. You will not need another when renewing unless you have lost the first. You will want to replace the tag if time and tear have made it unreadable.
You will be mailed your tag and license receipt within 10 business days from the day you send in your application and fees.
What is PetData?
You may be wondering what PetData is when you are directed there from the City of Denver. Pet Data is the company that the city of Denver, and many others, use for their online animal licensing services. PetData ensures quick and easy service and has processed over 33 million animal licenses since its inception in 1984. Using this service ensures that applications will not be delayed and that you can get your pet licensed quickly!
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