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Animal Services
Rabies vaccine required instead of dog license
A dog license is no longer needed for pet owners living in unincorporated Arapahoe County. An Animal Services Resolution was adopted in April 2020. Instead of registering/licensing your dog, the new requirement is proof of a current rabies vaccination. Please carefully review the requirements for unincorporated Arapahoe County:
Rabies Vaccination Required
- Any owner or keeper of a dog commits a class 2 petty offense if such dog is more than four (4) months of age and the owner or keeper is unable to provide proof when requested of a then current rabies vaccination, issued by a licensed veterinarian. A rabies certificate or tag current at the time that it is requested, and supplied by a licensed veterinarian, shall serve as proof of rabies vaccination.
- An owner or keeper of a dog is exempt from the requirements of this Section 2 if the owner or keeper can produce a signed letter from a licensed veterinarian stating that such vaccination would be detrimental to the health and well-being of such dog.
- Read the complete resolution.
Check Your Jurisdiction
Animal Services serves those living in unincorporated Arapahoe County and the Town of Foxfield. If you’re not sure what agency to call, check your address and then find your local Animal Services.
Residents of Deer Trail, please contact your Town Administrator for animal related issues.
Animal Services is responsible pet ownership through enforcement and education. Owning a pet is a privilege, but also a big responsibility. Laws and regulations are in place to help protect public health and safety and keep owners from allowing their dogs to be a nuisance to their neighbors.
Animal Services is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the County’s resolution for the control, enforcement of regulations/laws and impoundment of dogs; including investigation of citizen complaints, issuing dog licenses and responding to calls reporting dogs running at large, dog bites and barking dogs.
Animal Services uses the Aurora Animal Shelter to shelter lost animals and provide adoption services for adoptable pets that are not successfully returned to their owners. Pictures of impounded animals are posted via PetHarbor to assist owners in determining whether their pets have been picked up.