Frequently Asked Questions

Is a dog license required in the City of Boulder?

How do I get a license?

How long does a license last?

What are the penalties if I don't get a license?

What if I don't have a current rabies vaccine for my dog?

Are there any other reasons to purchase a license and have my dog wear it?

What does the money from a dog license pay for?

Does my dog have to be on a leash in the city limits?

What are the rules for the off leash dog park?

Where should I train my dog?

Don't laws require cats to be kept indoors?

What if a cat is damaging my property?

How many pets are allowed at a residence?

Can I have livestock?

Can I own poultry?

Is a dog license required in the City of Boulder? 

Yes, a license is required for each dog pursuant to Chapter 4-7: Dog License, B.R.C. 1981.           

How do I get a license?

You may purchase a City of Boulder dog license at any of the following veterinarians or download the application   for a printable version (licenses are valid for the calendar year, January through December):

How long does a license last?

Dog licenses are good for one year or three years, depending on the type of license purchased.

What are the penalties if I don't get a license?

The maximum penalty for a first or second conviction within two years, based on date of violation, is a fine of $500.00. For a third and each subsequent conviction, the general penalty provisions of section 5-2-4, "General Penalties," B.R.C. 1981, shall apply.

What if I don't have a current rabies vaccine for my dog?

You will have to take your dog to your veterinarian and get a vaccination.

Are there any other reasons to purchase a license and have my dog wear it?

• The license tag can identify a lost dog and it's owner, eliminating searches, newspaper ads, etc.

• You will be notified by telephone if your dog should be impounded.

• A dog wearing a current license would receive emergency medical care if injured and impounded.

• Every person owning or keeping a dog in the City of Boulder must purchase a dog license. It's the law.

What does the money from a dog license pay for?

Your dog licensing fees support:

• Local Animal Control Officers and State Humane Agents
• Investigation of animal cruelty complaints and enforcement of animal welfare laws
• Compliance with rabies vaccination of dogs
• Care for sick and injured stray animals
• Return of lost dogs to their owners

Does my dog have to be on a leash in the city limits?

All dogs in the City of Boulder must be kept on leashes at all times unless they are confined to their owners' property. Dogs who roam loose present a danger to the public and may be in danger themselves by being hit by a car or possibly attacked by other animals. An exception for your dog to run free is to utilize one of the four designated off-leash dog parks.

What are the rules for the off leash dog park?

Please visit Parks and Recreation's Dog Parks page for information.

If you have obtained an Open Space & Mountain Parks Voice and Sight Tag for your dog, you must utilize the designated opens space areas that are participating in that program.

Where should I train my dog?

City of Boulder dog parks allow dogs to be off-leash to train even if they do not meet the voice and sight control standard. City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks trails are not a proper place to train dogs because of potential disturbances to visitors and wildlife. It is your responsibility as a dog guardian to read and understand the regulations at all City managed property.

Don't laws require cats to be kept indoors?

There is no leash law for cats. They are considered free roaming.

What if a cat is damaging my property?

If a cat is causing a nuisance by defecating or destroying property, a property owner has the legal right to remove the cat from their property and bring it to a local animal shelter. Impound and board fees apply to the impounded animal.

The guardian of the cat may also be charged with a violation of owning a nuisance cat. This may result in monetary fines, and other restrictions.

How many pets are allowed at a residence?

There is no limit to the number of pets that are allowed at a residence. The guardian or keeper must provide the necessary licensing, inoculations, veterinary care, and shelter.

Can I have livestock?

No one residing within the city limits may keep pigs, hogs, or swine. However, a person may own a cow, horse, goat, sheep, llama, burro or other equine or bovine animal if they own a half an acre of land per animal and its young if they are less than six months of age.

Can I own poultry?

Yes. A person may own poultry as long as they comply with nuisance and proper care ordnance's and laws.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 December 2012 13:44