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License in Person

Licensing Ordinance

The Denver Revised Municipal Code requires all dogs and cats 6 months of age and older to be vaccinated against rabies. All dogs and cats are required to be licensed within 30 days of being in the City.

Pit bulls or pit-bull type dogs must be licensed in person at Denver Animal Shelter, 1241 W Bayaud Ave. Visit DenverAnimalShelter.org for more information.

View the complete Denver Revised Municipal Code:

Denver Revised Municipal Code

Licensing Locations

You may license your pet in person at the Denver Animal Shelter at 1241 Bayaud Ave in Denver. Please bring your pet's rabies vaccination certificate and spay/neuter certificate (if applicable) with you.

Required Paperwork

  1. A copy of your pet's current rabies vaccination certificate is required if the rabies vaccination on file has expired. Please check your certificate for correct address and pet information.
  2. Proof of spay/neuter, such as a signed statement from a veterinarian or an invoice for services is required if the pet has been altered since the last licensing period.
  3. Proof of age is required for senior citizens age 65 and over to license one pet free of charge.
  4. If requesting a free service animal license, include a note stating that the dog is a service animal and the task the animal is trained to perform to assist an individual with a disability. An animal that provides emotional support, crime prevention and comfort or companionship is not considered a service animal.

Your paperwork will not be returned to you, so please retain a copy of your documents for your records.

License Fees

Standard License Fees (Required for Dogs and Cats)

One-Year License $15.00
Three-Year License $40.00
Lifetime License $150.00
Senior citizens age 65 and over No Charge
Limit one free license per senior citizen owner.
Service Dogs No Charge

Other Fees

Replacement Tag $6.00

Lifetime, senior and service licenses require free renewals to confirm owner information and update rabies vaccination information. The lifetime license is good for the lifetime of the pet while it is in the care of the original owner, and cannot be transferred to another owner or pet.

Due Date

Payment for your license is due upon expiration of your pet's current license. If you are licensing for the first time, you must purchase a license within 5 days of vaccination against rabies, or within 30 days of acquiring the pet or moving into the City of Denver.

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