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City of Arvada
8101 Ralston Road
P.O. Box 8101
Arvada, CO 80001-8101
Phone: 720-898-7000
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Dog Licensing

All municipalities within Jefferson County are in the process of adopting ordinances that will require dog owners to license their pets, a practice that has been limited to the unincorporated area of Jefferson County for some time. The program will continue to be administered by Jefferson County.

There are several reasons why cities in Jefferson County have agreed to move forward with County-wide licensing. Mandatory registration:

  • Increases the numbers of lost pets returned to their owners.
  • Allows for tracking of aggressive and dangerous animals as well as habitual offenders of animal laws throughout the county.
  • Systemizes information gathering, making it easier to budget for an effective animal management program when the local government knows approximately how many pets are being kept within its boundaries. All the information gathered in the process helps officials plan programs and better educate pet owners through direct-mail renewals.
  • Ensures rabies vaccinations.
  • Creates an additional revenue source for the Table Mountain Animal Center (TMAC).
  • Promotes spaying and neutering when higher fees are charged for registering unsterilized animals.

    The Jefferson County Animal Control Division will administer the program, maintain the database, and distribute licenses; the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners will set the licensing fees. Dog owners will be required to provide their name, address, and phone number; emergency contact information; and a current rabies vaccination. Licenses must be renewed on an annual basis.

    Jefferson County has had a dog registration program since 1994. Many other cities and counties throughout Colorado also have animal registration, including the City and County of Denver, Larimer County, and Teller County.

    A License is a Ticket Home
    Requiring dogs to be registered will accomplish the following:

  • It will expedite reuniting lost pets with owners. The database contains owner information, vet information, and important medical concerns.
  • Dog tags can be traced 24 hours per day, 365 days per year by all participating jurisdictions which will lead to fewer impounds.
  • The database will allow jurisdictions to flag dangerous dogs or animals with special circumstances.
  • Fewer impounds at the Table Mountain Animal Center (TMAC) will save staff time and resources.

    Since 1994 when Jefferson County first adopted a dog registration ordinance, impounds have been reduced by 20% despite the increase in population.