How to Adopt a Dog in Colorado

Are you ready to adopt a dog? Rescuing a pup is rewarding, but let’s make it an easier process for you. This is what you need to know to adopt a furry friend in the great state of Colorado!

Where to Find Dogs in Colorado

Looking for a pooch that fits your lifestyle? Dogs in Colorado love being active and socializing! The best place to search for a rescue dog is looking at shelters in your surrounding areas. Usually your local town or county has one or a few shelters that rehome abandoned or stay dogs to good homes. You may even come across a nonprofit rescue shelter. Sometimes you can also foster dogs to feel out if they will get along in your home or just give them a warm and welcome home to stay for a while.

While rescuing a dog, look out for:

• Search up certain characteristics you are wanting in a breed. This lets you know what types of breeds or ages require different care, space, or exercise.
• Sign up for updates about incoming rescues or adoption events.
• Most shelters have adoption fees.

Colorado Banned Breeds?

There are no laws statewide that have banned a certain breed altogether, but there are some cities in Colorado that have strict legislation about dogs. ‘Fighting breeds’ ‘ like Pit Bulls, Bulldogs, and Canary Dogs are banned in Lone Tree. But other cities in Colorado ban specifically Pit Bulls:

• Commerce City
• Fort Lupton
• La Juanta
• Aurora
• Denver
• Louisville

Some private property owners are allowed to refuse certain breeds. It’s a good idea to check your lease or HOA before adopting a new companion.

Adopting & Licensing Process

Some shelters or rescues have their own process rules for adoption, but generally they all follow the same methods. Depending on the circumstances of your first application, like when and where, your adoption may take a few hours or days.

• Find the perfect dog for you either online or in person, then fill out an application.
• Wait for an adoption counselor to review your application and arrange a meeting with the dog.
• If all goes well, the shelter will contact any applicable persons like your vet or landlord.
• Once your paperwork is verified, the counselor will address you about ownership. You’ll receive your dog’s medical records and other extras like information pamphlets, food, toys, etc.
• Pay your adoption fee and take your dog home (in a carrier)!

Most cities in the U.S. require dog owners to license their pet. Usually they’re only granted if your pooch is of a certain age (6+ months) and is neutered or spayed.

Veterinarian Visit

Bringing your pup into the vet within a week of the initial adoption is best. You can catch anything the shelter may have looked over or didn’t have the resources to treat. Bring in your records you retrieved from the adoption with you to add to your dog’s new medical treatment.

Costs

Most adoption costs will vary depending on the shelter, but they usually account for medical treatment, transportation, building maintenance, food, rent, etc.

A sample adoption fee in Colorado can look like:

Foothills Animal Shelter

• Cost: $200-$500 for pups younger than 6 months, $75-$100 for dogs 6+ months
• Covers: Spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccination(s), a bag of food, a health exam, and 30 days of pet insurance.

Where to Adopt

Below are just a few options of shelters and rescues in Colorado:

• Safe Place for Pets: Provides rehoming and care services for dogs whose owners are suffering from a terminal illness
• Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region: Rescue for dogs and other animals.
• Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.): Provides spay/neuter services, dog food banks, training, etc.
• National Mill Dog Rescue: Works to educate Colorado about the realities of puppy mills, especially commercially.

Preparing for Your New Dog

Be sure to get your home dog ready as soon as you put in an application! Things could move fast so you want to be prepared! Make sure you have:

• Bowls along with food, treats, and water
• A leash
• A size-appropriate crate
• Grooming tools
• Toys
• Pet-friendly cleaning supplies

Adopting in Colorado has some ropes for you to jump through to get your furry friend home, but by following this guide, it should be easier to maneuver!