Animal Management

6-7-5. Animals Running At Large

(A) Animals Running at Large Prohibited:

(1) It shall be a civil infraction for an animal’s owner or custodian to fail to restrain the animal by physical means from running at large. Running at large means an animal, off the premises of the owner or custodian, not under the effective and immediate physical control of the owner or custodian by means of a leash, cord or chain of reasonable length to prevent an attack or uninvited contact by the animal upon another person or animal. Animal at large includes unattended animals chained or tied in public places or in common areas. Nothing in this section shall apply to dogs running off-leash at an off-leash dog site as established in Section 13-1-3(Z), W.M.C.

(2) Neutering/spaying required. There is a rebuttable presumption that an animal is intact, meaning not spayed or neutered, unless competent evidence is presented to overcome this presumption. Any intact animal in violation of subsection (A)(1) above shall be subject to the elevated fines and penalties described in subsection (A)(4) below unless the owner, custodian, or competent member of the owner’s family provides written documentation from a licensed veterinarian affirming that the spay or neuter procedure would be unreasonably harmful or dangerous to the health of the animal.

(3) The Municipal Court may reduce the elevated fines for an intact animal in violation of subsection (A)(1) if the owner, custodian, or competent member of the owner’s family provides written proof to the Court that the animal running at large was spayed or neutered at any time before trial.

Habitual at Large Ordinance 6-7-5 (5) - Any animal found running at large by Animal Management may be impounded pursuant to W.M.C. 6-7-9. Any animal impounded by animal management for a third or subsequent violation of this section within a 12 months period, regardless of whether charges were filed, should be impounded and not released until a dispositional hearing can be held.

Off-Leash Dog Parks

There are three off-leash dog parks in the city:

• Big Dry Creek Dog Park –   1700 W. 128th Avenue
• Little Dry Creek Dog Park – 3655 W. 69th Place
• Westminster Hills Dog Park –   105th Avenue and Simms Street

Rules and Regulations

• It is important that dogs are under voice command at all times. If you bring young children to the park, please be aware of the jumping, bounding nature of off-leash dogs.
• The owner assumes the legal responsibility for any damage, disease or injury to persons, other dogs or property caused by his/her dog.
• The site is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. 
• All dogs owned by residents of Westminster are required by law to be licensed.
• Dogs must be leashed when entering or leaving the off-leash area, and owners must have a visible leash at all times. Strictly enforced $120 fine for violation
• Dogs are not allowed to chase or harass wildlife or other dogs. 
• Owners may not leave their dogs unattended. 
• Animals must be spayed or neutered. 
• Owners must remove dog’s waste. Strictly enforced $130 fine for violation

The following dogs are NOT allowed in the off-leash area:

• Aggressive dogs 
• Female dogs in heat 
• Dogs without current vaccination tag attached to collar worn by the dog 
• Dogs too young to vaccinate against rabies 
• Dogs known to be ill or exhibiting signs of illness 
• Dogs not under voice command 

Animal Bites 
Must be reported to Animal Management: 303-658-4360 

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). Report a barking dog.

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. 

Animals at Large 
If you find an animal at large, please contact dispatch at 303-658-4360 or bring it to Westminster Police Department. 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 $225 fine for a first offense. 

Restrictions on Possession of Animals 
Westminster citizens are permitted to own/harbor no more than four dogs or cats. Please check the municipal code for restrictions on exotic animals (snakes, lizards, etc.) and small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc.). Livestock is not allowed. 

Breed Specific Ban
In the City of Westminster, there is not any breed specific laws in place. Westminster has adopted rules designed to control dangerous and vicious animals in the city. The city opted for this control method rather than a ban on specific breeds because research shows the problem more influenced by owner negligence then breed.

All residents of the City of Westminster, both in Adams and Jefferson counties, are required by law to license their dogs.

Dog licensing benefits our community by:

• Dog licenses can be traced around the clock by participating jurisdictions, which results in fewer impounds, as the animal management officer may be able to return the dog to the owner directly, eliminating the need to take the dog to the shelter.
• Ensuring dogs have their current rabies vaccination, protecting pet owners and their animals by tracking dangerous and aggressive dogs and habitual offenders of animal laws.

How to Obtain a Dog License:

Dog License Fee: $20
A current rabies vaccination is required.

Walk-In
Westminster Police Department, 9110 Yates St., Monday - Thursday (excluding holidays) from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (cash or check accepted only)

Foothills Animal Shelter: 580 McIntyre St. Golden, CO 80401 - 7 days a week, excluding holidays 

Online
Foothills Animal Shelter

License Renewals: 

Licenses are renewable annually and notified by mail when the license is up for renewal. Foothills Animal Shelter handles the administration of the pet licensing program.

Rabies Vaccinations
Dogs and cats, four 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.

Upcoming Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics

Reduced Spay and Neuter Services

Find low-cost spay and neuter information from these organizations: SpayToday Healthy Pet Center, Neuter Now!, and Denver Dumb Friends League..

The keeping of bees and chickens on single-family residential lots in the city is permissible with an approved permit from the city.

Most single-family residential properties are allowed to have up to two beehives and six chickens, subject to the regulations and limitations contained in the ordinance.

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) may still restrict or prohibit the keeping of bees and/or chickens through their covenants. Therefore, families located in covenant-controlled communities may not be allowed to participate.

Permits/Applications: 

Applications for chickens and beekeeping, and/or pot-bellied pig ownership, are only be accepted by mail. Upon staff review and approval of the application,  a permit number and issue date will be mailed back within five business days.

Ownership of chickens, bees or pot-bellied pigs is unlawful without an approved permit.

Applications must be complete to include initials and signature where indicated. 

A site plan is required within the permit application. View a sample of a site plan.

Incomplete applications will be sent back to the applicant.

Download Application- (print and mail)
Check or Money Order must accompany the application. There is a one-time $25 fee. (Make checks out to: The City of Westminster)

Mail applications to:
Westminster Police Department
Attn: Animal Management (Permit)
9110 Yates Street
Westminster, CO  80031

Read the Backyard Livestock Guide for further information and requirements.

Questions: 303-658-4326

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 about living with wildlife. 

For more information visit:  Colorado Parks & Wildlife website.

Living Safely with Coyotes

The city would like to remind residents of the dangers of coyotes. Typically spring time is breeding season for coyotes, and they are very active throughout day and evening hours. With the warmer temperatures, these activities may begin sooner.

Please see this brochure on the most commonly asked questions about urban coyotes.

Please see this brochure on how to deter coyotes from your property.

Under Westminster Municipal Code 6-2-9 Firearms: (A) It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly discharge firearms, deadly weapons or destructive devices of any kind or description within the limits of the city; provided, however, that this shall not apply to police officers in the discharge of their duties. 

More information about coyotes from Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Feeding of Wild Animals

It is unlawful to knowingly place or provide food for any wild animal. This prohibition shall not apply to squirrels or birds.

Disposing of Dead Wildlife

Colorado Environmental Health recommends the following procedure for disposing of dead animals:
1. Do not pick up or touch dead animals.
2. Use a long-handled shovel to pick up the dead animal.
3. Place the plastic bag on the ground.
4. Using the shovel, place the animal in the plastic bag.
5. Tie a knot in the bag.
6. Dispose of the bag in an outdoor trash container.

Additional Links

• Wildlife Babies 
• Wildlife Information 

Questions: Animal Management, 303-658-4326