Animal Management

New Animal Management Hours

Due to the implementation of the City's focused work week, Animal Management hours have been adjusted.  Starting immediately Animal Mangement Officers will be available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week.  If you need an Animal Management Officer outside these hours call 303-658-4327 to leave a message and your call will be returned within 24-hours.

Living with Wildlife
The City of Westminster has many open spaces home to a variety of wildlife. In the spring and summer months, when people are outdoors, they see and interact more with wildlife. Some wildlife have adapted so well that they live in our neighborhoods. Living with wildlife can present some problems for their neighbors, the humans. Whether it is a raccoon living in your chimney or a skunk digging under your cement patio, questions and concerns will come up with wildlife.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife can answer some of these questions on their Web site. Click on the link for Frequently Asked Questions . Once you are on this page, you can select "Co-existing with wildlife" from the topic list or scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Ask a question" for a specific issue.

          Baby Birds                Wildlife Information                  Disposing of Dead Animals

Dog licensing in Westminster

Westminster has joined other area municipalities in a comprehensive program to license dogs in the community. Licensing is required as of July 1, 2007. All residents of Westminster, both in Adams and Jefferson counties, are required by law to license their dogs.

Requiring dogs to be licensed expedites reuniting lost pets with owners. The dog license database will be maintained by Jefferson County Animal Control. It contains information on the dog's owner and veterinarian, important medical concerns, and emergency contacts. Dog tags can be traced around the clock by all participating jurisdictions, which will lead to fewer impounds as the animal management officer may be able to return the dog to the owner directly, eliminating the need to take the pet to the shelter.

In addition, dog licensing will benefit our community by:

• reducing the number of unwanted dogs by encouraging owners to spay and neuter dogs;
• ensuring that dogs have their rabies shots;
• protecting pet owners and their animals by tracking dangerous and aggressive dogs and habitual offenders of animal laws; and
• providing additional revenue to Table Mountain Animal Center's capital building fund to help construct a much-needed new facility.

Licensing fees are $15 for spayed/neutered or $30 for unaltered dogs. Licenses are renewable annually, and pet owners will be notified by mail when their license is up for renewal.

How to obtain a license
City dog licenses are available for purchase at the Westminster Public Safety Center, 9110 Yates St. (92nd and Sheridan), each Tuesday and Wednesday, from 8 a.m. noon. To obtain a license, pet owners need to provide a current rabies and spay/neuter certificate along with payment - cash, check (made payable to Jefferson County Treasurer) or credit/debit card. Licensing fees are $15 for spayed/neutered or $30 for unaltered dogs. Licenses are renewable annually, and pet owners will be notified by mail when their license is up for renewal. You do not need to bring your pet.

Dog license registration forms also are available from the Jefferson County Animal Control website . Simply download and complete the form and return it to Jefferson County along with the fee and the required rabies and spay/neuter information. Application forms are also available at local veterinarians (see list below) and at Westminster City Hall and the Westminster Public Safety Center.

Veterinarians offering licenses:
Aspen Arbor - 8865 W. 116th Cir., Westminster, Colo., 80021; 303-423-6021.
Banfield Pet Hospital - 7243 N. Federal Blvd., Suite 150, Westminster, Colo., 80030; 303-428-4368.

If you have questions about the dog licensing program, please contact Westminster Animal Management at 303-658-4326, and leave a message. An animal management officer will return your call within 24 hours.

Dog license FAQ (PDF, 28 kb)

Ordinance addresses concerns over dangerous, vicious animals
In response to citizen concerns, Westminster has adopted rules designed to control dangerous and vicious animals in the city. The ordinance, adopted in 2006, takes aim at uninformed or irresponsible owners of animals that can cause harm to humans or other animals. The law creates two classes of animals - potentially dangerous and vicious - with specific control measures outlined for owners. The city opted for this control method rather than a ban on specific breeds because research shows that the problem with animal bites and aggressiveness is influenced more by owner negligence than breed. Any questions about the ordinance changes or new requirements can be directed to Animal Management at 303-658-4326, or access to the ordinance can be made via the city's website.

Impounded Animals/Lost and Found/Animal Adoption
To retrieve an impounded animal, inquire about a lost animal, or adopt an animal, contact: 

                        Table Mountain Animal Center
                        4106 Youngfield Service Rd.
                        Wheat Ridge, CO  303-278-7575
                        http://www.tablemountainanimals.org/ 

Animal Bites
Must be reported to Animal Management: 303-658-4326.

Rabies Vaccinations
Dogs and cats, six months of age and older, must be vaccinated and kept updated thereafter. A rabies tag must be worn at all times. The owner must be able to provide proof of current rabies vaccination.

Restrictions on Possession
Westminster citizens are permitted to own/harbor no more than three dogs or cats.  Please check the municipal code for restrictions on exotic animals (snakes, lizards, etc.) and small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc.). 

Animal Running At Large
It is unlawful for the owner of an animal (including cats) to fail to restrain it from running at large. If an animal is caught at large and is not spayed/neutered, the court can assess a $275 fine for a first offense. Of this fine, $200 can be waived upon proof of spay/neuter given to the court.

Animal Neglect
It is unlawful for the owner of any animal to deprive such animal of adequate and wholesome food and water, protection from the elements, opportunity for exercise, adequate veterinary care, or to otherwise neglect the animal in such a manner as to endanger its health or cause it to suffer.

Pet tips (winter months)

• Your pet must be licensed in the City of Westminster (more information on licensing at top of page). Lost pets can be returned home if they are properly identified by a current city license.
• Keep your cats indoors. Outside, cats can easily freeze, become lost, stolen, injured or killed. Cats left outdoors are often exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies from other cats, dogs and wildlife.
• During colder weather cats often sleep under the hood of cars for warmth. When the vehicle is started cats can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, bang on your vehicle before starting it to give them a chance to escape. 
• All pets MUST be kept on a leash at all times when off your property. More dogs and cats are lost during winter months then any other season making it even more important to keep their license and ID tags attached to a collar. 
• Thoroughly wipe off your dog's paws, legs and stomach when coming in from the snow and ice. He can ingest salt, magnesium chloride, antifreeze and other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his fur. Snow and ice can also build up between his pads causing them to bleed. 
• Never shave your pets during the winter months as their longer coat helps provide warmth. If you bathe your dog during colder weather be sure to completely dry them before letting them go outside. If you own a short-haired breed, consider getting him a coat or sweater that covers from tail to belly. For many dogs this is required attire in cold weather. 
• Never leave your cat or dog inside a car during cold weather. The vehicle can act like a refigerator, trapping in the cold temperature and causing your pet to freeze to death.  Don't leave your pets in a vehicle with the motor running either. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can accumulate quickly without proper ventilation.
• Puppies do not tolerate colder temperatures like adult dogs and can be difficult to house-break during winter months. If your puppy appears sensitive to colder weather consider paper-training them indoors until the temperature is warm enough to go outdoors. If your dog is sensative to cold due to age, illness or breed type, consider taking him outdoors only to relieve himself.
• If your dog spends a good amount of time active outdoors, increase his food supply, particularly protein, to keep him healthy and his coat in tip-top shape for the winter months. 
• Coolant and antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle and consider using products that contain propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center  for more information.
• Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed, blanket or pillow is perfect.

Barking Dogs
It is unlawful to allow an animal to disturb any person by audible sound. First complaints are issued a warning; subsequent complaints within one year can result in a summons to court. The city's barking dog ordinance can be found in the City Code under Title VI (6-7-7), which is available online.

Barking dog complaints: 303-658-4327.