
To get a Denver dog license, you'll need to provide proof of current rabies vaccination, which must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.
The license fee for Denver dogs is $20 per year for spayed or neutered dogs, and $50 per year for unspayed or unneutered dogs.
As a dog owner in Denver, it's essential to remember that licenses expire on December 31st of each year.
Licensing Requirements
To get a Denver dog license, you'll need to meet some basic requirements. You'll need an updated/current pet rabies vaccination certificate. This is a crucial document that proves your dog is up-to-date on its vaccinations.
You'll also need a signed statement or invoice from a certified veterinarian that the pet has undergone spaying or neutering. This is a requirement for licensing in Denver, so make sure you have this document ready.
Here are the general requirements for obtaining a Denver dog license:
- An updated/current pet rabies vaccination certificate
- A signed statement or invoice from a certified veterinarian that the pet has undergone spaying or neutering
Note that some cases are exempt from the licensing fee, including residents aged 65 and above, or those with service dogs, who can get the three-year permit for free.
What Is Licensing?

Licensing is a process that helps keep track of pet populations in cities.
Pet licenses often come with additional benefits, such as lost pet services and personalized license tags.
In some jurisdictions, like the City of Pueblo, licensing requirements apply to all dogs and cats over 4 months old.
Denver dog licensing ensures dogs have had required procedures, including rabies vaccination and spaying or neutering.
Licensing fees may also include the option to upgrade to designer license tags, with a portion of the proceeds going to support animal welfare organizations.
General Requirements:
To get a pet license in Denver, you'll need to meet some general requirements. You'll need an updated/current pet rabies vaccination certificate, which is required for all dogs and cats over 6 months old.
Additionally, you'll need a signed statement or invoice from a certified veterinarian that the pet has undergone spaying or neutering. This is a requirement for all dogs and cats, and it's also necessary for getting a dog license in Denver.
Here are the specific requirements listed out:
- An updated/current pet rabies vaccination certificate
- A signed statement or invoice from a certified veterinarian that the pet has undergone spaying or neutering
These requirements are in place to ensure that all pets in Denver are up-to-date on their vaccinations and that owners are taking responsibility for their pets' health and well-being.
Pit Bull Breed-Restricted Permit
The pit bull breed-restricted permit in Denver is a necessary step for owners of this breed. The permit was enacted to create added safety measures and foster accountability for pit bull owners, as it was originally implemented in response to a series of attacks in the 1980s.
To get a pit bull breed-restricted permit, you'll need to schedule an appointment with Denver Animal Protection (DAP) for a breed assessment. This assessment costs an additional $25 on top of the permit fee.
You'll need to provide some basic information to DAP, including the name and address of the owner/keeper of the pit bull, as well as the names and addresses of two people who can be contacted in case of an emergency.
Here's a list of the required documents and information:
- Name and address of the owner/keeper of the pit bull
- Names and addresses of two people who may be contacted to take responsibility in case of emergency
- An accurate description of the pit bull
- A recent photograph of the pit bull
- Proof of spaying/neutering (or an intact license)
- Proof of microchipping
- Proof of an updated rabies vaccination
- A dog license for the pit bull
- Any other additional information that DAP reasonably requires
The permit itself costs $30 per animal and needs to be renewed every year.
License Details
The Denver dog license is a requirement for all dog owners in the city. You'll need to license your dog within 30 days of it being in the city or within 30 days after it reaches 6 months of age.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however. If you're holding your dog for redemption or adoption by the Denver Animal Shelter, you won't need to license it.
The cost of a Denver dog license is relatively affordable. You can choose from a 1-year license for $10 or a 3-year license for $30.
Here's a breakdown of the costs:
It's also worth noting that pit bull breeds, or any dogs showing the majority of physical traits of pit bull breeds, are not allowed in Denver County and cannot be licensed.
To get a pet license, you can order online using your Visa or MasterCard credit card, or by mail by sending in your current rabies certificate and a check for the cost of the license.
License Fees and Permits
The cost of a Denver dog license is relatively affordable. You can choose from a one-year license for $10, a three-year license for $30, or a lifetime license for $150.
If you have a Pit Bull, you'll need to get a breed-restricted permit, which costs $30 per animal and needs to be renewed every year.
The lifetime license is a great option, but it still needs to be renewed to ensure your dog's rabies vaccination is up to date. Renewing a lifetime license is free of charge.
Here's a breakdown of the license fees:
Keep in mind that if you're a resident aged 65 or above, or if you have a service dog, you can get the three-year permit for free.
Laws and Regulations
In Denver, it's mandatory to license your canine for several reasons. To avoid fines, pet owners need to license their canines, as those caught with unlicensed pets initially receive warnings, but subsequent violations can attract fines from $75 to as high as $200.
Pit bull breeds, or any dogs showing the majority of physical traits of pit bull breeds, are illegal in Denver County and cannot be licensed. This rule applies regardless of the dog's vaccination status or spay/neuter status.
Each dog or cat license costs $10.00 for a 1-year license, and $30.00 for a 3-year license. Pet owners can order online using their Visa or MasterCard credit card, or by mail with a check and the required documentation.
Pet owners must provide their pet's vaccination information, including the rabies tag number and date issued, to obtain a license. Altered pets require the name of the veterinarian who altered the pet and the date of spay/neuter.
Here's a summary of the required documentation for a pet license:
- Pet information (name, breed, color, age, etc.)
- Veterinarian Hospital or Clinic
- Current Rabies tag number & date issued
- ALTERED PETS: Name of veterinarian who altered your pet and date of spay/neuter
- RENEWALS: Previous License tag number and Person ID number
- Visa or MasterCard credit card number and expiration date
- Add any information or changes to your record or pet record in the comment box at check out.
Your Official pet license will arrive in 2-3 weeks after you've submitted the required documentation and payment.
Pet Licensing Process
To get a pet license in Denver, you'll need to provide some basic information about your pet, including their name, breed, color, and age. You'll also need to show proof of a current rabies vaccination.
Licenses can be purchased online or in-person, and the process is relatively straightforward. You can use your Visa or MasterCard credit card to pay for the license.
To renew an existing license or purchase a new one, you'll need to fill out a form with your pet's information, including their rabies tag number and date issued. Your license will not be processed without this information.
The cost of a pet license in Denver is $10 for a 1-year license or $30 for a 3-year license. You can also order a license by mail, but you'll need to send in your current rabies certificate and a check for the cost of the license.
Here are the required documents you'll need to get a pet license in Denver:
- Pet information (name, breed, color, age, etc.)
- Veterinarian Hospital or Clinic
- Current Rabies tag number & date issued. Your license will not be processed without your pets vaccination information
- ALTERED PETS: Name of veterinarian who altered your pet and date of spay/neuter
- RENEWALS: Previous License tag number and Person ID number
- Visa or MasterCard credit card number and expiration date
- Add any information or changes to your record or pet record in the comment box at check out.
After you've submitted your application, you can expect to receive your official pet license in 2-3 weeks.
Benefits and Renewal
Licensing your dog is a great way to ensure their safe return if they ever get lost. A current license on file is the key to reuniting with your pet.
You can design your own tag or choose one of the unique and colorful designer tags offered by DocuPet's HomeSafe 24/7 lost pet service.
To renew your Denver dog license, you can do so online, over the phone, via mail, or in person at one of their locations. The process is easy and convenient, and you can even manage your account at any time.
Here are the ways to renew your license:
Renewing your license is free of charge, and it's a great way to ensure your dog's rabies vaccination is up to date.
Benefits of Licensing
Licensing your pet is a crucial step in ensuring their safe return home in case they ever get lost. Hundreds of pets have been reunited with their families this year thanks to licensing.
You can design your own tag or choose from a variety of colorful designer tags to make your pet's identification unique. Licensing also grants you access to HomeSafe, a 24/7 lost pet service.

One of the benefits of licensing is the ability to add additional pet guardians to your pet's profile, giving you peace of mind knowing that your pet is protected. You can even skip the trip to the shelter and purchase or renew your pet's license from the comfort of your own home.
With licensing, you can easily view and download your pet's license documentation, making it simple to keep track of your pet's information. You can also manage or make changes to your account at any time.
Here are some of the benefits of pet licensing:
- Design your own tag or choose a unique designer tag
- Access to HomeSafe 24/7 lost pet service
- Add additional pet guardians to your pet's profile
- Purchase or renew your pet's license from home
- Upload important new documents for your pet
- Make an optional donation to HSPPR via DocuPet's Safe&Happy Fund
- Easily view and download your pet's license documentation
- Manage or make changes to your account at any time
Why Does Annual Licensing Need Renewal?
Renewing a lifetime dog license in Denver is free, but it's still necessary to ensure the animal's rabies vaccination is up to date, as dogs need to be vaccinated regularly every three years.
The initial vaccination and rabies booster shot are just the starting point - regular vaccinations are crucial for public safety.
Failing to pick up dog poop has consequences, with a $125 fine for the first offense and increasing fines for subsequent violations.
By requiring renewal of the lifetime dog license, Denver's city government can ensure that dog owners are keeping their pets' vaccinations current and the community clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs are you allowed to have in Denver?
In most residential areas of Denver, you're allowed up to 3 domestic pets over 6 months old. Some agricultural zones may allow up to 4 pets, but check local regulations for specific details.
Does my dog have to wear a rabies tag in Colorado?
In Colorado, dogs must wear a rabies tag as required by the Resolution for the control and licensing of dogs and pet animals. This tag serves as proof of your dog's up-to-date rabies vaccination.
Sources
Featured Images: pexels.com