Adopting pets in Colorado is much like pet adoption in any other state. Few overriding laws are in effect statewide and most regulations are set at the county or municipal levels. Most states are experiencing an overpopulation of both dogs and cats---particularly cats, which has lead to overcrowding and caused many shelters to resort to euthanasia as a means of animal control. An estimated 3 million animals are euthanized every year. Most shelters charge adoption fees, running between $100 to $300 depending on the adoption agency and animal. The fee helps pay for vaccinations, which are required, and covers part of an animal shelter's operating costs. But the cost of adoption is minor when compared with the cost of feeding, licensing, spaying and neutering and an array of other medical costs associated with raising a happy and healthy pet over the course of its life.
No Pet Is Free
The cost of veterinary visits, food, toys, treatment for medical conditions and a host of other needs will run into the thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your pet. It may seem obvious, but these factors should be considered before running out to rescue a cute little puppy or kitty for you or your kids.
Upfront Costs
In addition to the adoption fee, spaying or neutering will cost between $150 to $300, distemper vaccination will need to be administered twice at $20 a shot, rabies vaccination is required at $15 to $25, a heartworm test runs $15 to $35 and flea and tick treatment costs from $50 to $200. Dogs must be licensed annually at a cost of $15.
Ongoing Costs
According to Stephen Zawistowski, Ph.D., senior vice president for animal sciences at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the first-year costs of owning a pet and treating it property run from $780 for a small dog (including grooming and flea collars) to $1,500 for large dogs. For cats, the cost is about $640, rabbits will cost about $885 and even a pet fish (you can name him Eric, if you want) will cost about $185, although most of that is the aquarium and and ancillary costs of his glass-encased home. Your pet fish, Eric, doesn't cost much to feed. Those are first-year costs. Annual costs are much less. You can expect to pay between $400 to $700 for small to large dogs annually. Cats will run about $500 a year and Eric, your pet fish, should cost about $35 per year, according to Zawistowski's figures.
Dog Laws
Most dog laws vary by city or county. However, Colorado has a "dangerous dog" law that can lead to misdemeanor charges against the owner if the animal bites people to felony charges if a person is fatally attacked. Most areas require animals to be leashed in public, except dog parks if they are sufficiently trained and trustworthy. Most municipalities also require dog waste to be cleaned up by the owner at the time of deposit.
Unusual Laws
Colorado municipalities have some strange laws on the books, usually very old statutes that were never repealed. Very few are applicable today but they are noteworthy, nonetheless. In Denver, the dog catcher must notify dogs (or owners) of pending impoundment by posting a notice for three consecutive days on a tree in the city park and along a public road running through the park if that is where the dog is routinely located. In Cripple Creek, if you've adopted a horse or mule you can't take the animal with you above the first floor of a building and, in Boulder, your pet llama may not graze on city property.
