Denver Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees & Lost Pets 2026
Use this Denver Animal Shelter guide before visiting 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. for adoption, lost pets, found pets, owner redemption, surrender, pet licensing, animal protection dispatch, breed-restricted permits and map directions.
Denver Animal Shelter, operated by Denver Animal Protection, is the City and County of Denver’s open-admission animal shelter for adoptions, lost and found pets, owner surrender, owner redemption, animal protection dispatch, licensing support and community pet services. This 2026 guide gives you the practical details in one place: adoption hours, lost-and-found hours, visitor cutoffs, published adoption fees, what is included with dog and cat adoptions, proof-of-ownership steps, after-hours drop-off notes, surrender rules, Denver 311 contact routing, map directions and the mistakes that cause wasted shelter trips.
Denver Animal Shelter quick details
Denver Animal Shelter is located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223. For general questions, Denver lists 3-1-1 or 720-913-1311. For animal officer dispatch, Denver lists 720-913-2080. For active life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.
Denver Animal Shelter helps with adoptable pets, lost pets, found pets, owner redemption, owner surrender, animal protection, pet licensing questions, breed-restricted permit routing, bite/aggressive animal reports, cruelty or neglect concerns and community animal services.
Official Denver Animal Shelter links to use first
This page gives you a practical plan, but live pet status, promotions, closure notices, wait times and service rules should always be verified with Denver’s official pages.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent guide and is not the official City and County of Denver website.
Denver Animal Shelter adoption hours and lost-and-found hours
Denver Animal Shelter has different public service windows. Adoption hours are not always the same as lost-and-found hours, and paperwork cutoffs matter. Plan earlier than the official closing time.
| Service | Official listed hours | Visitor rule that matters |
|---|---|---|
| Adoptions: Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Start animal meetings at least one hour before closing. |
| Adoptions: Tuesday and Thursday | 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Arrive early enough for kiosk, counselor, meeting and paperwork. |
| Adoptions: Saturday and Sunday | 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Weekends can be busy; popular pets may move quickly. |
| Lost & Found: Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Owner redemption paperwork must start 30 minutes before closing. |
| Lost & Found: Tuesday and Thursday | 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Bring proof of ownership and pet ID/listing information. |
| Lost & Found: Saturday and Sunday | 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Arrive well before 4:00 p.m. if reclaim paperwork may be needed. |
| After-hours drop-off | Available after hours | Self-service night drop-off kennels are located near the Lost and Found entrance. |
Choose what you need today
Denver Animal Shelter handles several different user journeys. Pick the correct one before calling, driving or filling out forms.
Denver Animal Shelter adoption fees and what is included
Denver’s adoption package for dogs and cats includes spay or neuter, vaccinations, microchip and a one-year pet license. Fees can change for promotions, special events and shelter capacity, so verify the exact fee for the pet before you visit.
| Animal category | Published fee | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies, 2 months to 1 year | $170 | Puppies move quickly. Bring a same-day adoption plan, supplies and household approval. |
| Adult dogs, 1–5 years | $150 | Ask about energy, behavior notes, dog-to-dog needs, leash skills and medical status. |
| Senior dogs, 6+ years | $100 | Senior dogs can be calmer matches but may need realistic vet budgeting. |
| Kittens, 2–5 months | $110 | Bring a carrier and ask about vaccine timing and kitten-proofing. |
| Adult cats, 6 months–6 years | $95 | Ask about temperament, litter habits, other pets and transition space. |
| Senior cats, 6+ years | $65 | Senior cats may be a good fit for quieter homes. |
| Small animals | $15 | Habitat photo may be required for small mammals, reptiles, birds and fish. |
| Livestock | $50 | Confirm space, transport, permits and local rules before adopting livestock. |
Denver also lists a 50% senior discount for adopters age 65 and over. Card payments may include a service fee, while cash, business check or money order may avoid processing fees. Confirm payment rules before visiting.
How the Denver Animal Shelter adoption process works
Denver’s adoption process is built for people ready to adopt the same day. Do not treat the visit like a casual petting stop. Staff time, queues, counselor conversations and animal meetings can fill quickly.
Search adoptable pets online first
Use Denver’s official adoptable-pet database. The database may update often, but availability is not guaranteed because adoptions happen quickly.
Arrive early enough for a real visit
Adoption visitations must start at least one hour before closing. If the queue is full, meetings may stop earlier. Arriving late is one of the easiest ways to waste a trip.
Meet with an adoption counselor
Be ready to talk about your housing, current pets, children, energy level, schedule, budget, landlord rules, breed restrictions, travel and what type of pet you can realistically support.
Bring the right documents and payment
Bring a photo ID with current address, or proof of current address if your ID is outdated. Bring an accepted payment method and confirm whether a service fee applies.
Prepare transport before approval
Bring a leash, collar, crate, carrier or safe vehicle plan. Small animals may require habitat preparation or a habitat photo.
Before you visit: Denver adoption checklist
Use this checklist before leaving home. It is more useful than showing up and hoping staff can solve everything at the counter.
Lost pets, found pets and owner redemption in Denver
If your pet is missing in Denver, act fast. Denver says lost pets brought to the shelter without identification are held for five calendar days. Animals with identification also have a hold period, but the safest move is to check immediately, visit when needed and bring proof.
Proof to bring for reclaim
- Clear photos showing the pet’s face, body and identifying markings.
- Microchip number or microchip company registration.
- Vet records, rabies certificate, license record or adoption paperwork.
- Collar, tag information or unique identifying details.
- Valid photo ID and payment method for possible redemption, boarding, vaccine or license fees.
- Animal ID, intake number or screenshot if you found your pet online.
Owner surrender and rehoming help
Denver says it accepts all animals from residents of the City and County of Denver. No appointment is required and there is no relinquishment fee, but Denver asks owners to bring proof of ownership and fill out a surrender form to help staff make the best decisions for the animal.
Before surrendering, prepare this
Denver animal control and officer dispatch
Denver Animal Protection handles animal protection and enforcement for Denver County. Use 720-913-2080 for officer dispatch when the issue needs animal protection response. Use 311 or 720-913-1311 for general shelter questions, adoption questions, reclaim questions, licensing questions and non-dispatch requests.
Denver-specific issues people miss
- Barking dog complaints are not submitted through officer dispatch; use 311 or online request routing.
- Denver has breed-restricted permit rules for qualifying pit bull-type dogs.
- Colorado animal bites where skin is broken must be reported quickly to the local animal-control agency.
- Animal Protection Officers may involve Denver Police or emergency response depending on the risk.
Pet licensing, spay/neuter, vaccines and Denver services
Denver’s animal services are not only adoption and lost pets. The city also routes residents to pet licensing, spay/neuter, vaccinations, end-of-life services, community outreach, temporary pet housing and breed-restricted permit information.
Denver Shelter action planner
Use this quick helper before you call or visit. It does not search live shelter inventory and does not contact Denver; it simply gives you the right preparation path.
Map to Denver Animal Shelter
Denver Animal Shelter is located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223. Use this map for route planning, but check official hours first if you are coming for a specific animal, a lost-pet reclaim, an owner surrender or a late-day visit.
Map is for directions only. Official hours, fees, availability and service rules should be verified through Denver Animal Shelter.
Related Colorado animal shelter guides
If you are comparing Denver metro shelters or your lost pet may have crossed a city/county line, check nearby shelters too. Always verify live details with the official shelter before driving.
Common Denver Animal Shelter mistakes to avoid
Call scripts for faster Denver shelter answers
Short, clear calls help Denver staff route your question faster.
Denver Animal Shelter FAQs
Where is Denver Animal Shelter located?
Denver Animal Shelter is located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave., Denver, CO 80223.
What is the phone number for Denver Animal Shelter?
For general inquiries, call 3-1-1 or 720-913-1311. For animal officer dispatch, call 720-913-2080.
What are Denver Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Adoptions are listed as Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How late can I arrive to meet an adoptable pet?
Adoption visitations must start at least one hour before closing. Meetings may also stop sooner if the client queue reaches capacity.
How much are dog adoption fees at Denver Animal Shelter?
Published fees are $170 for puppies, $150 for adult dogs and $100 for senior dogs. Confirm the current fee before visiting because promotions can change.
How much are cat adoption fees at Denver Animal Shelter?
Published fees are $110 for kittens, $95 for adult cats and $65 for senior cats. Confirm the current fee before visiting.
What is included with dog and cat adoptions?
Denver states that dog and cat adoptions include spay or neuter, vaccinations, microchip and a one-year pet license.
What should I do if I lost my pet in Denver?
Search Denver’s lost-pets online page quickly. If you see your pet, come immediately to the shelter or call 311 / 720-913-1311. Bring proof of ownership.
Does Denver Animal Shelter have after-hours drop-off?
Yes. Denver says self-service night drop-off kennels are available after hours, with a dedicated entrance near the Lost and Found doors.
Can Denver residents surrender a pet?
Denver says it accepts all animals from residents of the City and County of Denver, with no appointment required and no relinquishment fee. Bring proof of ownership and complete the surrender form.
Who handles animal control in Denver?
Denver Animal Protection handles animal protection and enforcement in Denver County. Call 720-913-2080 for officer dispatch, or 9-1-1 for active life-threatening emergencies.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Denver Animal Shelter website?
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent guide. Use official Denver government pages for final live details.
Final takeaway
For Denver Animal Shelter, the most important details are the Bayaud Avenue address, the 720-913-1311 general number, the 720-913-2080 dispatch number, the one-hour adoption-meeting cutoff and the five-calendar-day lost-pet urgency. Check the official Denver pages first, arrive early, bring proof, and use the correct contact route for adoption, lost pets, surrender or animal protection.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.