Animal Management
Animal Management Hours
7 days a week - 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas)
If you need an Animal Management Officer outside these hours call 303-658-4326 to leave a message and your call will be returned within 24-hours. For urgent matters call the non-emergency Dispatch line to speak with a police officer (303)658-4360.
Spring Pet Safety Tips - Check out some of these pet safety tips as we prepare for springtime in Colorado.
Upcoming Mobile Vaccination/License Clinics for Dogs and Cats (license not required for cats)
Westminster Animal Management is teaming with veterinarians from Spay Today and Foothills Animal Shelter to offer low-cost dog and cat vaccinations. Dog licenses will also be available for purchase during these clinics. No appointment is necessary. This is your chance to vaccinate your dog and obtain a dog license in one stop. All dogs in the City of Westminster are required to have a current dog license.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
2 – 4 p.m. at the Westminster Police Department, 9110 Yates St.
Vaccinations: $15 each Microchips: $35 each
Dog Licenses: $15 for spayed or neutered dogs, $30 for unaltered dogs
Payable by cash or check only. Prices are subject to change. No appointment needed.
Proof of spay/neuter status and a current rabies vaccination are required to obtain a dog license.
Booster shots with additional fees may be applicable for some vaccinations.
Location and dates 2012
Vaccinations are $15 each. Vaccinations provided are:
# Rabies (dogs and cats)
# DA2PP (dogs)
# Bordatella (dogs)
# CIV (dogs)
# FVRCPP (cats)
Dog licenses are $15 each for spayed or neutered dogs and $30 each for unaltered dogs. Proof of current rabies vaccination and proof of spay or neuter must be provided. Cash or check accepted for payment. All animals must be contained by either leash or crate and under control to participate. For more information contact Westminster Animal Management at 303-658-4326.
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. For more information about living with wildlife click on the following link: Colorado Division of Wildlife
Additional links:
Wildlife Babies 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
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. (1 block east of 92nd and Sheridan), 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. excluding holidays. To obtain a license, pet owners need to provide current rabies and spay/neuter certificate along with payment - cash, check (made payable to Jefferson County Treasurer) or credit/debit card.
Note: Animal Management Officers can only accept checks or exact cash on weekends. Due to their schedule there may be a wait while they respond to the Public Safety Center.
Dog license registration forms are available on the Jefferson County Animal Control website. Application forms are also available at local veterinarians (see list below), 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. Legacy Veterinary Clinic - 5044 W. 92nd Ave., Westminster, Colo., 80021; 303-975-6200
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
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:
Foothills Animal Shelter
580 McIntyre Street. Golden, Colorado 80228
303-278-7575
Hours: Monday - Friday 11a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday 10a.m. to 6 p.m.
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.
FAQ about Vaccinations
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.
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.