▼

Animal Control

Show All Answers

1. Does my dog have to be on leash when we go for a walk?

Yes; the City’s running at large prohibited ordinance (section 25-61, Running at Large Prohibited) mandates that animals (including cats) must be under physical control (leash or in a pet carrier) at all times when off of their owner’s property. The only area where dogs are allowed to be off-leash is at the City Dog Park. Electronic collars are not recognized as appropriate control measures.

2. Can my cat roam in the neighborhood?

No; cats, dogs and other pets are prohibited from running at large (sectcion 25-61, Running at Large Prohibited). Cats must be confined to the owner's property at all times or be under leash control.

3. My neighbor's dog barks constantly. What should I do?

The City does have a barking dog ordinance (25-62) prohibiting animal owners from allowing their animals to make unreasonable noise or to disturb the peace and quiet of others by barking, whining, howling, etc. We encourage neighbors to talk with dog owners directly to try to resolve these types of issues. If the problem persists, contact animal control for assistance.

4. Do I have to license my dog?

Yes, all dogs over 6 months of age must be licensed with the City. One year and three year licenses are available at the police department, Mountain Ridge Animal Hospital and Jasper Animal Hospital. A copy of the dog's rabies vaccination certificate must be provided. Licenses are valid for a calendar year (January-December). A three year license may only be obtained for a dog that received a three year rabies vaccination within 30 days of applying for the license.

5. I was bitten by an animal. Should I report the incident?

Yes, in the interest of public safety, please contact the police department, 303-441-4444.

6. My pet is lost. What should I do?

Contact the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, 303-442-4030, to place a lost animal report and contact Lafayette Police Department Animal Control to report your pet missing,

7. I found a stray or feral cat. What should I do?

The City will only assist cats that are sick or injured and need immediate medical care. Residents can take found cats the the Humane Society of Boulder Valley.

8. Does the City of Lafayette have a Pit Bull ban?

No, there are no breed specific limitations in Lafayette. The City, however, has a very strict vicious animal ordinance that applies to any animal that acts in an aggressive or threatening manner.

9. How many dogs and/or cats can I own as a Lafayette resident?

Lafayette residents are allowed to have up to 3 dogs and 3 cats per residence.

10. I have an unknown critter living in, under or around my house. Will the City remove the animal for me?

No, the City does not remove nuisance wildlife. Residents are encouraged to remove all pet food, bird seed and other attractants from the yard, secure trash cans to prevent animals from accessing them and remove unnecessary vegetation from the property in an effort to discourage wildlife from taking up residence. Otherwise, residents are encouraged to contact pest control or wildlife specialists for these types of problems. Two resources are the Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, 303-823-8455 and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, 303-291-7227.

11. There is a skunk/raccoon in my window well. What should I do?

The City does not assist with skunk and raccoon problems. You may contact a pest control service for assistance or try providing a ramp made of a rough surface. You may need to staple, nail or duct tape a heavy piece of cloth so that the animal can get a good grip. Place the ramp at an angle so the animal can crawl out. Colorado Division of Wildlife

12. Can I trap nuisance wildlife on my property?

Contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife directly, 303-291-7227, for permission and specific information on the types of animals that can be trapped and relocated. Colorado Division of Wildlife

13. I found a dead, wild animal on my property. What do I do?

It is not uncommon to occasionally find dead wildlife on your property. Wildlife dies for a variety of reasons and 1 dead animal should not cause too much concern. If you find dead wildlife on your property double-bag the animal and place it in the trash. If you find multiple dead animals, over a short period of time (24-48 hours) contact the Boulder County Public Health Department at 303-441-1564. There is a possibility the health department may want to test one or more of the animals. If you find a dead bat, contact Boulder County Health at 303-441-1564 or the police department at 303-441-4444.

14. I found a bat in my house or around my property. Should I be concerned?

Bats live among us and provide a benefit to humans by eating large quantities of insects. Occasionally bats will get into houses or be found on the ground. It a bat is found in the house or near a household pet contact the Boulder County Health Department, 303-441-1564, or the police department, 303-441-4444. Depending on the circumstances the bat may need to be tested for disease.

15. I saw a coyote or fox in my neighborhood. Should I be concerned?

Both coyotes and foxes live in urban environments because they provide the animals with their essential needs; food, water, shelter and space. These animals are attracted to neighborhoods due to the availability of garbage, pet food and even pets, which coyotes and foxes see as prey. The following list illustrates some of the attractants that draw coyotes and foxes close to people. Remove these attractants to discourage coyotes and foxes from visiting your property:
-Outdoor pet food or water
-Birdseed or food sources that attract small mammals
-Accessible garbage or compost
-Fallen fruit or berries from trees or shrubs
-Shrubs, woodpiles, decks or any other structure that can provide cover or be used as a den
Seeing wildlife can be an enjoyable experience and should not necessarily be a cause for concern, but you should haze wildlife if it is frequenting your neighborhood by yelling and/or throwing rocks or sticks toward the animal. Keep dogs on leash, don't allow pets to roam (especially at night) and never feed coyotes or foxes. Report any unusual behavior to the Division of Wildlife, 303-291-7227.

16. I saw an injured wild animal. What should I do?

In most cases if the animal is still mobile and able to survive in the condition it is in the City will not take action. If the animal is gravely injured, a threat to public safety or easily captured the City may respond with appropriate action, i.e transfer to a certified wildlife rehabilitator or humanely euthanize.

17. I found a snake on my property. What should I do?

Occasionally you will find a snake on your property. The two most common types of snakes encountered in Lafayette are the Garter snake and the Bull snake; both species are non-venomous. Snakes are beneficial to humans because they eat rodents and insects. Occasionally Bull snakes are mistaken for rattlesnakes because they mimic rattlesnakes by beating their tails on the ground. Look carefully at the snake's tail. If it does not have a rattle, it is likely a Bull snake. If you find a snake, leave it alone, provide an escape route and it will likely go on its way.

18. I have a bee hive on my property. Will the City remove it for me?

No, the City does not provide this service. Contact Boulder County Beekeepers, 303-678-6238, for assistance.

19. What do I do with deceased wildlife found on private property?

It is not uncommon to occasionally find dead wildlife on your property. Wildlife dies for a variety of reasons and 1 dead animal should not cause too much concern. If you find dead wildlife on your property double-bag the animal and place it in the trash. If you find multiple dead animals over a short period of time (24-48 hours) contact the Boulder County Public Health Department at 303-441-1564. There is a possibility that the Health Department will want to test 1 or more of the animals. If you find a dead bat, contact the Boulder County Health Department or the police department for assistance (303-441-4444).